Bailey Files Measure to Restore Death Penalty for Killing Police Officers

(ST. SEN. DARREN BAILEY. CLAY COUNTY SHERIFF ANDY MYERS IS BEHIND HIM)

State Senator Darren Bailey of Louisville has filed Senate Bill 3899, a measure that would reinstate the death penalty for individuals found guilty of killing police officers.

The bill would allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty for anyone 18 or older who has been found guilty of first degree murder of a peace officer who was performing his or her official duties.

Our Greg Sapp asked Bailey why he felt now was the time to introduce such legislation...

Bailey said, "We need to send a clear message out there to the law enforcement community that we will not allow heinous attacks against the very people who are serving to protect us. We have to make it clear we have our officers' backs; an attack against our officers is an assault against the safety and security of our communities."

Bailey spoke at the Effingham Police Department conference and training room Wednesday morning along with State Representative Blaine Wilhour of Beecher City, who plans to introduce a companion bill in the Illinois House.

Also speaking was Effingham City Police Chief Jason McFarland, who said, "We need legislators who will provide legislation that will allow the court system to succeed. To allow for more aggressive prosecution for violent crime in every part of our state. It is time we hold violent criminals more accountable with sentences that not only keep the criminal off the street, but also serve as a deterrent to other offenders who commit violent crimes."

(EFFINGHAM POLICE CHIEF JASON McFARLAND)

Another guest speaker was Amber Oberheim, widow of Champaign police officer Chris Oberheim, who was fatally shot in 2021 in the line of duty. Mrs. Oberheim said, "It is not only our privilege and honor to advocate for law enforcement officers and their families, is is our responsibility. We, the people of the state of Illinois, must not tolerate the ambushing and slaying of our officers. Unprecedented times call for swift, effective unprecedented measures to stop the threat inflicted by career criminals who possess a blatant disregard for life."

(AMBER OBERHEIM)

More than two dozen states have similar provisions allowing the death penalty for those convicted of killing police officers.