- Published: Monday, April 04, 2022 04:59 PM
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) and his colleagues joined police advocates Monday to unveil a legislative package aimed at supporting law enforcement officers and improving the state’s criminal justice system.
“Our law enforcement officials work tirelessly 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to keep our communities safe,” Bennett said. “That’s why my colleagues and I are working together to create grant opportunities and keep quality officers in the workforce to help those fighting for our communities.”
To help promote fair compensation across the state, House Bill 4228 requires a county sheriffs’ salary to equal at least 80% of the county’s state’s attorney’s salary. House Bill 3863 creates the Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention Fund to support departments through the hiring and training processes and help retention strategies.
Body cameras are critical for keeping officers safe as well as improving evidence quality and reducing liability for agencies. House Bill 4608 allows for video retention for evidentiary value and allows grant funds to be used for data storage costs.