Illinois republican Congressional candidate Jason Haskell argues the so-called Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today law (SAFE-T Act) stands to do more harm than good in the fight to keep local streets safe. | Provided by Haskell
Illinois republican Congressional candidate Jason Haskell argues the so-called Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today law (SAFE-T Act) stands to do more harm than good in the fight to keep local streets safe. | Provided by Haskell
Illinois republican Congressional candidate Jason Haskell argues the so-called Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today law (SAFE-T Act) stands to do more harm than good in the fight to keep local streets safe.
“I believe the SAFE-T Act does more to protect criminals than victims,” Haskell, running in the 76th District, told the Illinois Valley Times. “It certainly puts major restraints on the men and women of law enforcement.”
As one of its biggest centerpieces, SAFE-T is set to eliminate the cash bail system beginning early in 2023. Supporters of the law also argue it stands to make for a fairer and equitable justice system.
Haskell isn’t alone in voicing a far different position. Back in April, The Center Square reports state’s attorneys from across the state went public with their opposition, with one arguing “with this new law, our hands will be tied. What sane citizen in this state of Illinois would want the state’s attorney’s hands tied; the police hands tied, and give all the perks going to violent offenders. That’s what this law does.”
Haskell doesn’t mince words when it comes to the dangers he argues the new law could pose.
“I believe it will make the community less safe,” he said. “It certainly allows an offender to repeat their offense or another without any immediate repercussions.”
Through it all, Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D-IL) and democrats have remained firm in their support of the measure, with Pritzker recently telling The Center Square “we do not want someone in jail because they were arrested for a low-level crime like shoplifting to be sitting in jail for months or maybe even years. At the same time, someone who is a wealthy drug dealer, perhaps accused of murder and arrested, can show up with a suitcase full of money and get out of jail."
With CapitolNewsIllinois.com reporting GOP lawmakers have taken to referring to SAFE-T as a “de facto defund the police bill" given all the added restrictions it handcuffs officers with, the elimination of cash bail is set to become effective Jan. 1, 2023, giving Haskell even more cause to worry.
“I’m honestly more concerned with the amount of people who have no idea that this is even taking place in January,” he added.
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