The “SAFE-T” Act is Anything But “Safe”

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

Passed in 2021, the SAFE-T Act, which stands for Safety, Accountability, Fairness, and Equity- Today Act, gave Illinois a major overhaul of the state’s criminal-justice protocol.

Most notably, the SAFE-T Act put an end to cash bail. Democrat proponents argued that requiring bail unfairly targeted the poor. They claimed that these individuals were detained in jail not because of how dangerous they were, but on whether or not they were able to pay bail.

According to Democrat proponents, the new justice system under the SAFE-T Act is safer and fairer.

In fact, just this past January, Governor J.B. Pritzker defended the success of the SAFE-T Act and claimed that overall, crime has decreased.

“The SAFE-T Act has been highly effective. In fact, as you’ve seen since the SAFE-T act was passed, crime rates across the state have gone down…”

While this may sound good, the reality is that the SAFE-T Act is anything but safe. In fact, crime has worsened and true justice has been ignored.

Because few crimes now qualify for detention, offenders are released quickly. Furthermore, repeat offenders released pending trial frequently commit additional crimes after their release.

My Journal Courier writer, Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree, recently reported that victims find the SAFE-T Act very troubling and feel less safe in their communities because of it.

“Watching the person accused of committing an offense against them be released within hours of an arrest continues to frustrate crime victims…”

Cass County State’s Attorney Craig Miller commented on the frustration that he sees amongst his clients in their fight for justice:

“What we often hear from victims of domestic violence is frustration, including questions like ‘why were they let out after what they did’’ or ‘why couldn’t they be kept in jail?…’

That reflects the very real fear and concern a victim feels.”

A few days ago, two Chicago Police Officers were shot. John Bartholomew, a 38-year-old officer of 10 years lost his life, while the second officer, a 57-year-old with 21 years on the job is still in critical condition fighting for his life.

What does this tragedy have to do with the SAFE-T Act? Everything.

The suspect that was arrested, Alphanso Talley, 27, was on pre-trial release for armed robbery. Talley has now been charged with murder and attempted murder. Both of these murders were preventable if Talley had not been released under the SAFE-T Act.

Illinois Representative Patrick Sheehan (R-37), who is also an active police officer with nearly two decades of experience, made the following statement:

“This is a devastating loss, and my prayers are with the officers, their families, and the entire law enforcement community…

The SAFE-T Act has created a framework where violent offenders are too often given chance after chance, even when they’ve shown a clear pattern of disregard for the law and the safety of others. This horrendous policy is literally costing people their lives. How many horrific crimes must take place before Illinois Democrats take public safety seriously?…

At multiple points, there were clear opportunities to act…

Warning signs were there. The system saw them and failed to respond with the urgency this kind of threat demands. Serious charges, repeated violations, missed court dates, and still no sustained detention. That chain of decisions ended with two officers shot, one dead, and another fighting for his life. I will not stop sounding the alarm until public safety becomes a priority of the Illinois Democrats. We cannot let this continue.”

The SAFE-T Act continues to wreak havoc on not only the safety of our communities and neighbors, but also on the safety of our law enforcement.

Instead of the SAFE-T Act keeping Illinois citizens and law enforcement safe, it keeps criminals safe.

The only way to bring true justice and safety back to our communities is to repeal this horrific Act.

“Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” (Eccl. 8:11)