Dupage Policy Journal

A panel of those criticizing the Safe-T Act is set to take place in Glen Ellyn in October.

“Learn why 100 of 102 state’s attorneys opposed this legislation,” Breakthrough with Jeanne Ives, the group hosting the event, noted on a mailer.

“The Not So Safe Illinois Safe-T Act” panel will include Will County Criminal Court Judge Dave Carlson, Wirepoints Senior Editor Matt Rosenberg, DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin and DuPage County Sheriff Jim Mendrick.  

The panel will be convened Thursday, Oct. 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Abbington Distinctive Banquets located at 3S002 IL Route 53 in Glen Ellyn.

Free appetizers will be provided and a cash bar will be available.

It is free for the public to attend. RSVP with guests' First & Last names to info@breakthrough-ideas.com.

The Safe-T Act is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2023.

Many have been warning of the impending release of thousands of prisoners across the state currently being held captive awaiting trial for serious crimes.

The bill requires courts to increase the processing speed of those awaiting trial.

If it goes into effect as planned the Safe-T Act will result in the release of those charged with the worst crimes including robbery, kidnapping, arson, second-degree murder, intimidation, aggravated battery, aggravated DUI, aggravated flight, drug-related homicide and threatening a public official.

Berlin discussed the issue in a recent edition of Chicago’s Morning Answer.

“With Class B and C misdemeanors. The police will not be able to actually arrest the person,” Berlin told hosts Dan Proft and Amy Jacobson. "They have to give them a citation with a notice to appear in court within 21 days unless the person poses an obvious threat to the community or any person. Again, a very high burden to prove. Otherwise, these people have to just be ticketed and released."

Some have been stark in their assessment of the Safe-T Act’s effect.

Some state’s attorneys have been warning their communities that hundreds of criminals are accused of serious felonies, sometimes of an extremely violent nature.

"It will destroy the state of Illinois," Jim Glasgow, the state's attorney for Will County said. "I have 640 people in the Will County jail. All their bonds will be extinguished on Jan. 1, and 60 are charged with murder.”