A bill making its way through the Illinois legislature would require Illinois lawmakers — both senators and representatives — to become keepers of the peace, giving them limited policing power.
House Bill 724 — sponsored by Curtis J. Tarver, D-Chicago — would require lawmakers to attend and successfully complete a police training course administered by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board that would give them the power to arrest anyone breaking a law or violating an ordinance of the state. It also would allow lawmakers to detain a person overnight in a safe place until they can be brought before a court.
Tarver had not returned a call for comment as of Friday.
Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville, opposes the bill, saying it contradicts the police reform bill that was passed during January’s lame-duck session and undercuts trained law enforcement officers who have extensive experience as peace officers.
“Under the new reform bill, even the police can’t contain someone unless it’s an immediate threat,” Davidsmeyer said.
Davidsmeyer said the proposal is hypocritical, because it would mean trained law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard than untrained lawmakers would be in making an arrest.
“The only training lawmakers have is being on the ballot and being elected,” he said.
Other items that would need to be addressed include the insurance that would be required for a lawmaker with the ability to arrest people, the guidelines lawmakers would need to follow in questioning and detaining someone, and where a detained person legally could be held.
“There’s just a ton that goes into this,” Davidsmeyer said.
Jacksonville Police Chief Adam Mefford has not had the opportunity to read the bill in its entirety but is concerned that it would blur the lines of lawmakers and police.
“What’s concerning to me is that we’re supposed to have separation of powers,” Mefford said. “It doesn’t look like a very good idea to me.”
The new police reform legislation requires changes to how law enforcement officers do their job, including requiring additional training and certification. Adding another element by allowing lawmakers to arrest people could jeopardize public safety, Mefford said.
“My job is to respond to 911 calls and, when we show up, we provide a quality of service to the community,” he said.
Mefford said it’s not his job to take political stances, but he will speak up when he believes public safety is at risk.
“I don’t get into the political jargon, but I do speak up when it comes to protecting the citizens of this community,” he said.
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Idea of lawmaker ‘cops’ raises concern (even among legislators) - Jacksonville Journal-Courier
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