Institute of Politics

Chicago Style: Passing Police Reform in Illinois

Join Chicago Style for a conversation on police reform led by state Sen. Elgie Sims and Rep. Kambium Buckner, who represents Hyde Park in the Illinois General Assembly. South Side natives and members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, Sims and Buckner co-sponsored the Illinois Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today, or SAFE-T, Act. Signed into law last year, this act reformed police accountability, transparency, and training.

Some of the SAFE-T Act's highlights include:

  • Ending cash bail;
  • Mandatory reporting on deaths in police custody;
  • Strengthening regulations for the use of deadly force;
  • Expanding detainee rights in custody; and
  • Banning the use of certain military weapons by police.

Our conversation will cover the need for these reforms and how they impact our community. We will also dive into the legislative process and how this bill got passed into law. Lastly, Sims and Buckner will address what's next in criminal justice reform in Illinois.

Chicago Style is a student-led event series centered on local issues. We encourage students to engage with the Chicago and Illinois community beyond campus.

  • Kam Buckner Illinois State Representative
  • Elgie Sims Illinois State Senator

Have Questions?

Name
Newsletter Form

Stay Informed

Our emails are the best way to keep up-to-date on all of our events and programming.

Subscribe