South West Illinois News

State Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) is calling for a repeal of the soon-to-take-effect SAFE-T Act.

Jacobs has urged his colleagues in the Illinois State House of Representatives to immediately nullify what he considers an irresponsible measure.

"The elimination of cash bail as outlined in the SAFE-T Act will increase the number of repeat offenders and have a terrible negative impact on public safety,” Jacobs said in a statement. "The end of cash bail has had disastrous effects in places like New York and San Francisco."

Jacobs also expressed his worries about relaxing drug legislation. 

"The decriminalization of hard drugs like meth, heroin, and fentanyl will lead to more homelessness and violence associated with drug gangs and international cartels," he said. "It doesn't have to be this way. It is time to repeal the SAFE-T Act and restore law and order."

Republican legislators, including Jacobs, have said the SAFE-T Act is dangerous, particularly the provision that allows suspects awaiting trial to be released.

“I have sponsored legislation to repeal these reckless policies," Jacobs said. "We need a fresh start that considers our police and victims of violent crime first. I want to put criminals on notice that severe consequences await them if they run afoul of the law in Illinois. I support our police officers, but I fear an already deflated police force will become even more demoralized as they see criminal after criminal let out of jail after committing serious crimes only to be arrested again the same day."

According to Will County Gazette, opponents of the SAFE-T Act have expressed concern over the  release of thousands of suspects across the state who are currently imprisoned and awaiting trial. The law requires courts to accelerate the processing of those who are awaiting trial. If the Safe-T Act is carried out as planned, opponents say those accused of the most horrific crimes, such as robbery, kidnapping, arson, second-degree murder, intimidation, aggravated assault, aggravated DUI, aggravated flight, drug-related homicide, and threatening a public official, will be freed.

Some GOP lawmakers argue that the act is a “de facto defund the police bill” because of its additional regulations on police officers. 

Jacobs in recent weeks, according to Carbondale Reporter, said it is obvious that putting more criminals back on the streets, means increasing "the likelihood of more crimes being committed" and that "the elimination of cash bail could have a chilling effect on potential arrests." He also stated that "without cash bail, witnesses to crimes know the suspected criminals will be back on the street and they know their lives will be in danger and they [will be] less cooperative with law enforcement. No matter how you look at it, eliminating cash bail will lead to more violence in our communities."

To date, 100 of Illinois' 102 state attorneys are in support of repealing or amending the legislation, Madison-St. Clair Record reported.

According to his campaign website, Jacobs is seeking re-election to continue supporting "Illinois police officers in opposing efforts to defund the police and make our communities less safe."