State of Illinois Archives: on Crime
Delia Ramirez:
Prohibit the use of for-profit prisons
Legislative Summary: HB2040: The For-Profit Corrections Prohibition Act. Provides that the State, any unit of local government, or a county sheriff, shall not contract with a private contractor or private vendor for the provision of
services relating to community correctional supervision.Analysis by Capitol News Illinois: The caucus supports a bill that would prohibit any unit of government from contracting with private entities to operate correctional facilities.
Rep. Carol Ammons said this measure would open the door for the installation of private immigration detention centers in Illinois, such as one proposed by the Livingston County village of Dwight.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed House 85-26-6 on Apr/10/19; State Rep. Delia Ramirez co-sponsored the bill and voted YES; Passed Senate 34-14-11 on May/16/19; Signed by Governor J. B. Pritzker on Jun/21/19
Source: Capitol News Illinois on Illinois voting record HB2040
Apr 10, 2019
Alan Keyes:
Enforcement should target criminals, not social conditions
OBAMA: [to Keyes]: The fact is I’ve passed 150 pieces of legislation that toughened penalties for violent criminals, everything from sex offenders to domestic abusers to gang bangers. So there’s only one candidate who’s ever dealt with hardened
criminals on this stage and that’s me. The other guy only talks about it and I think that’s something voters will be focused on in this election.KEYES: When I was part of the effort to fight terrorists, I dealt with some of the most hardened
criminals on the face of the earth. What I learned to understand, that Senator Obama seems to forget when dealing with domestic crime and foreign relations is that you must go after the people who cause the problem and
you must get after them before than can do harm. You must deal with the individuals who pose a threat to the decency of our communities.
Source: Illinois Senate Debate #3: Barack Obama vs. Alan Keyes
Oct 21, 2004
Alan Keyes:
No conflict between pro life and pro death penalty stances
Q: Doesn’t your pro-life stance conflict with your support of the death penaty?KEYES: It doesn’t conflict at all. As a matter of fact, abortion and capital punishment are at different level of moral concern. Abortion is intrinsically, objectively wron
and sinful whereas capital punishment is a matter of judgment, which is not in and of itself a violation of moral right. There are certain issues that objectively violate the most fundamental canons of moral decency and abortion is one of them: the takin
of innocent life. The question of whether or not you should apply capital punishment depends on circumstances and it’s an area where Catholics have a right to debate and disagree.
OBAMA: Now I agree with Mr. Keyes that the death penalty and abortion
are separate cases. It’s unfortunate that with the death penalty Mr. Keyes respects that people may have a different point of view but with the issue of abortion he has labeled people as terrorists for holding an opposing point of view.
Source: Illinois Senate Debate #3: Barack Obama vs. Alan Keyes
Oct 21, 2004
Alan Keyes:
Sentencing gang members to death sends strong social message
Q: [to Obama]: On mandatory death sentences for gang members who kill cops you voted no. Would you explain?OBAMA: [The proposed legislation] was entirely unnecessary and unconstitutional. It suggested that
I could kill a police officer but because I’m not a gang member, I would be treated differently. I think both cases should be death penalty eligible.
KEYES: Senator Obama does not think it superfluous to have hate crimes legislation that adds a special animus to certain acts of violence already penalized against the law.
But in order to convey against those certain acts a special category of deviation from society. The law provides a special message aimed at discouraging things considered especially harmful to a society and a community.
Source: Illinois Senate Debate #3: Barack Obama vs. Alan Keyes
Oct 21, 2004
Anne Stava-Murray:
Prohibit the use of for-profit prisons
Legislative Summary: HB2040: The For-Profit Corrections Prohibition Act. Provides that the State, any unit of local government, or a county sheriff, shall not contract with a private contractor or private vendor for the provision of
services relating to community correctional supervision.Analysis by Capitol News Illinois: The caucus supports a bill that would prohibit any unit of government from contracting with private entities to operate correctional facilities.
Rep. Carol Ammons said this measure would open the door for the installation of private immigration detention centers in Illinois, such as one proposed by the Livingston County village of Dwight.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 85-26-6 on Apr/10/19; Anne Stava-Murray co-sponsored the bill and voted YES; Passed Senate 34-14-11 on May/16/19; Signed by Governor J. B. Pritzker on Jun/21/19
Source: Capitol News Illinois on Illinois voting record HB2040
Apr 10, 2019
Barack Obama:
Restrict police entry rules, to protect our civil liberties
Q: On the right to let cops go into dangerous places with search warrants without knocking, you voted no as well. Would you explain?OBAMA:
With respect to the potential for police officers not to knock when they go in, there’s an issue of search and seizures and there must be some parameters for law enforcement to protect our civil liberties.
Source: Illinois Senate Debate #3: Barack Obama vs. Alan Keyes
Oct 21, 2004
Barack Obama:
Passed 150 laws to toughen penalties for violent crime
OBAMA: The fact is I’ve passed 150 pieces of legislation that toughened penalties for violent criminals, everything from sex offenders to domestic abusers to gang bangers. So there’s only one candidate who’s ever dealt with hardened criminals on
this stage and that’s me. The other guy only talks about it and I think that’s something voters will be focused on in this election.KEYES: When I was part of the effort to fight terrorists, I dealt with some of the most hardened
criminals on the face of the earth. What I learned to understand, that Senator Obama seems to forget when dealing with domestic crime and foreign relations is that you must go after the people who cause the problem and
you must get after them before than can do harm. You must deal with the individuals who pose a threat to the decency of our communities.
Source: Illinois Senate Debate #3: Barack Obama vs. Alan Keyes
Oct 21, 2004
Barack Obama:
Death penalty should be enforced fairly and with caution
Q: [to Keyes]: Doesn’t your pro-life stance conflict with your support of the death penalty?KEYES: It doesn’t conflict at all. Abortion and capital punishment are at different level of moral concern. Abortion is intrinsically, objectively wrong and
sinful whereas capital punishment is a matter of judgment.
OBAMA: I think that the death penalty is appropriate in certain circumstances. There are especially heinous crimes: terrorism, the harm of children.
Obviously, we’ve had some problems in this state in the application of the death penalty. That’s why a moratorium was put in place and that’s why I was so proud to be one of the leaders in overhauling a death penalty system that was broken.
We became the first in the nation requiring the video taping of capital interrogations and confessions. We have to have this ultimate sanction in certain circumstances where the whole community says “this is beyond the pale.”
Source: Illinois Senate Debate #3: Barack Obama vs. Alan Keyes
Oct 21, 2004
Barack Obama:
Death penalty should not discriminate by gang membership
Q: On mandatory death sentences for gang members who kill cops you voted no. Would you explain?OBAMA: [The proposed legislation] was entirely unnecessary and unconstitutional. It suggested that
I could kill a police officer but because I’m not a gang member, I would be treated differently. I think both cases should be death penalty eligible.
KEYES:
Senator Obama does not think it superfluous to have hate crimes legislation that adds a special animus to certain acts of violence already penalized against the law.
But in order to convey against those certain acts a special category of deviation from society. The law provides a special message aimed at discouraging things considered especially harmful to a society and a community.
Source: Illinois Senate Debate #3: Barack Obama vs. Alan Keyes
Oct 21, 2004
Bruce Rauner:
Close outdated prisons; focus on reducing recidivism
It is a social justice issue to ensure that we provide a means for those in our criminal justice system to rehabilitate and return to productive lives. Over the past two years our Administration has worked to reform our criminal justice system, reduce
recidivism and address underlying behavioral and mental health issues for those in our systems of care, in order to keep our communities safer.
We're making great strides in implementing initial recommendations from our Commission on Criminal Justice Reform--helping non-violent ex-offenders get back on their feet and giving them meaningful skills to find employment.
We've shuttered the outdated Roundhouse at Stateville Prison while repurposing two other facilities in Murphysboro and Kewanee as life skill centers to help non-violent offenders return to the work force more effectively.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Illinois Legislature
Jan 25, 2017
Bruce Rauner:
Police trooper surge to counter Chicago violence
Sadly, our progress in reducing non-violent crime is overshadowed by the skyrocketing rate of violent crime in Chicago. The violence occurring in Chicago every night is intolerable; we've got to bring it to an end. Violence experts say there's no single
cause and no single solution. But with the right mix of policies, we can and must find solutions to curb the violence. At the Illinois State Police, we're providing the Chicago Police Department with a wide range of resources--and we stand ready
to do more wherever and whenever called upon. Our troopers have already surged to counter the violence that's spilled over to our expressways--and we're committed to hiring more State Police officers to help patrol Chicago expressways, and other high
violence areas.
Law enforcement plays a critical role in violence reduction--but in the end, it's a treatment, not a cure. Addressing the roots of this plague will take much more: to restore hope where hope has been lost.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Illinois Legislature
Jan 25, 2017
Daniel Biss:
Rehabilitation rather than punishment
When criminal offenders do not receive rehabilitation and are discriminated against after reentering society, they sometimes return to lives of crime. Recidivism occurs at an immense cost to taxpayers, which is why Daniel advocates for
long-term solutions to crime reduction rather than unproductively harsh punishment. Job training provides offenders, many of whom come from marginalized communities, with a lawful way to support themselves after they reenter society.
Source: 2018 Illinois Gubernatorial website DanielBiss.com
Sep 1, 2017
Daniel Biss:
Seal criminal records upon earning a GED, AA, or BA
Senator Biss voted YEA on legislation HB3149: Amends the Criminal Identification Act. Allows a person who earned a high school diploma, associate's degree, career certificate, vocational technical certification, or bachelor's degree, or passed the
high school level Test of General Educational Development, during the period of his or her sentence, aftercare release, or mandatory supervised release, to petition for sealing before expiration of applicable waiting periods under the sealing law.
The person cannot have completed the same educational goal previously. If the person's petition for sealing is denied,
then the applicable waiting period under the sealing law shall apply to any subsequent petition for sealing by the person.
Source: VoteSmart synopsis of 2015-2016 Illinois voting record
Aug 17, 2015
Darren Bailey:
Allow the use of for-profit prisons
Legislative Summary: HB2040: The For-Profit Corrections Prohibition Act. Provides that the State, any unit of local government, or a county sheriff, shall not contract with a private contractor or private vendor for the provision of
services relating to community correctional supervision.Analysis by Capitol News Illinois:The caucus supports a bill that would prohibit any unit of government from contracting with private entities to
operate correctional facilities. Rep. Carol Ammons said this measure would open the door for the installation of private immigration detention centers in Illinois, such as one proposed by the Livingston County village of Dwight.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 85-26-6 on Apr/10/19; State Rep. Darren Bailey voted NO; Passed Senate 34-14-11 on May/16/19; Signed by Governor J. B. Pritzker on Jun/21/19
Source: Capitol News Illinois on Illinois voting record HB2040
Apr 10, 2019
J.B. Pritzker:
Erase juvenile criminal records for adults
[Said Pritzker of juvenile criminal records,] "Even if you live a life that's free of any interaction with the law, you still have this mark sitting on your records--it can prevent you from getting employment, an apartment. It shouldn't be that way.
You shouldn't have to hire a lawyer to get it off your record when you made a mistake at 15, 16 or 17 years old or younger. It should automatically be taken it off."
Source: The Chicago Defender on 2018 Illinois gubernatorial race
Apr 27, 2017
J.B. Pritzker:
Against death penalty; rectify wrongful convictions
My wife and I helped support the Center on Wrongful Convictions, which has become the national leader in rectifying wrongful convictions and did much of the work behind Illinois's moratorium on capital punishment.
[The Center on Wrongful Convictions is based at the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, so named after School of Law alumnus J.B. Pritzker and his wife, M.K. Pritzker, made a $100 million gift.]
Source: 2018 Illinois gubernatorial campaign website JBPritzker.com
Jul 17, 2017
J.B. Pritzker:
Criminal justice reform starts with phasing out cash bail
This spring, working with legislators, we will begin the long path toward a fairer criminal justice system. That starts with phasing out cash bail and following many of the recommendations made by the bipartisan criminal justice reform
commission created by my predecessor, most of whose ideas were never adopted because of the rancor and dysfunction.
Source: 2020 Illinois State of the State address
Jan 29, 2020
J.B. Pritzker:
Prohibit the use of for-profit prisons
Legislative Summary: HB2040: The For-Profit Corrections Prohibition Act. Provides that the State, any unit of local government, or a county sheriff, shall not contract with a private contractor or private vendor for the provision of
services relating to community correctional supervision.Analysis by Capitol News Illinois: The caucus supports a bill that would prohibit any unit of government from contracting with private entities to operate correctional facilities.
Rep. Carol Ammons said this measure would open the door for the installation of private immigration detention centers in Illinois, such as one proposed by the Livingston County village of Dwight.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 85-26-6 on Apr/10/19; Passed Senate 34-14-11 on May/16/19; Signed by Governor J. B. Pritzker on Jun/21/19
Source: Capitol News Illinois on Illinois voting record HB2040
Jun 21, 2019
J.B. Pritzker:
If we want to reduce crime, we have to solve crimes
If we want to reduce crime, we have to solve crimes. That's why I reestablished the Division of Criminal Investigations. It's why we are building a new, state-of-the-art crime lab near Joliet and opening another in Decatur. My proposed budget continues
to increase the number of Illinois State Police forensic scientists and evidence technicians. We're already succeeding in one important arena--we've substantially reduced the backlog of DNA and other analyses on evidence in sexual assault cases.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Illinois legislature
Feb 2, 2022
Kathy Salvi:
I will always stand with the police and the rule of law
The progressive policies and the destructive rhetoric used by Democrat politicians in Washington to "defund the police" increase crime and erode the rule of law. I will always stand with the police.
This includes giving them the resources they need to do their jobs and to protect our communities. It also means standing for the rule of law and holding those who break the law accountable.
Source: 2022 Illinois Senate campaign website KathySalvi.com
Jun 30, 2022
Mark Curran:
Black Lives Matter addresses police racist conduct
Q: Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States?A: Does racism still exist in America? Of course it does, as it does in every nation. Have we made enormous strides-particularly in the last fifty years? Absolutely, we have.
I have spent many years in law enforcement. I have encountered instances of racism-and in many of those cases it was directed towards Latinos to a degree the media does not report in favor of a continued focus on the Black Lives Matter movement.
Those cases--and all other cases--of racist conduct on the part of law enforcement are not acceptable and should be stopped. However, I do NOT believe that there is a common thread of systemic racism running through American law enforcement or the
military. Racial strife and division-as it is being encouraged by leftist politicians and organizations-is what poses a threat to our domestic peace and security. That is abundantly clear as we watch chaos unfold in our cities.
Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2020 Illinois Senate race
Nov 3, 2020
Mark Kirk:
Provide after-school basketball to reduce youth violence
When two North Chicago young people were senselessly murdered, Congressman Kirk reached out to community leaders who identified a lack of after school activities as a factor in growing youth violence.
To help address that problem, Congressman Kirk contacted the Chicago Bulls organization to join forces and build a world-class basketball facility in North Chicago to serve nearly 4,000 community kids.
During the recent ceremony officially opening the new basketball courts,
Congressman Kirk told the crowd that the Bulls built this project so fast that they had an immediate impact on stopping the cycle of violence. [Source: Candidate Website ]
Source: Vote-IL.org profile for 2016 Illinois Senate race
Oct 4, 2008
Mark Kirk:
Deportation to fight rising street gang population
With a rising street gang population, Congressman Kirk supports giving law enforcement the tools they need to deport illegal residents with gang ties and proposed the Alien Gang Removal Act. The Government Accountability Office has statistics indicating
that illegal aliens in prisons have been arrested an average of eight times each. These national statistics on repeat offenders are staggering, and these gangs are backed by weapons and resources that can easily overwhelm suburban law enforcement.
Locally, the legislation would combine with efforts already being taken in Lake County to deport illegals in the criminal system. While most gang members are American citizens,
we are seeing the rise of transnational drug gangs that are bringing new levels of violence and criminal activity to our communities. [Source: kirk.house.gov/index.php ]
Source: Vote-IL.org profile for 2016 Illinois Senate race
Nov 22, 2010
Mike Bost:
Supports death penalty & more prisons
Bost indicates support of the following principles to address crime.- Increase state funds for construction of state prisons and for hiring of additional prison staff.
- End parole for repeat violent offenders.
- Support the use of the
death penalty in Illinois.
- Prosecute as adults, youths accused of a felony.
- Increase penalties for crimes committed on school grounds.
- Support job training for at-risk youth.
- Increase funding for DNA evidence testing.
Source: 2000 Illinois National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2000
Napoleon Harris:
Seal criminal records upon earning a GED, AA, or BA
Senator Harris co-sponsored legislation HB3149: Amends the Criminal Identification Act. Allows a person who earned a high school diploma, associate's degree, career certificate, vocational technical certification, or bachelor's degree, or passed the
high school level Test of General Educational Development, during the period of his or her sentence, aftercare release, or mandatory supervised release, to petition for sealing before expiration of applicable waiting periods under the sealing law.
The person cannot have completed the same educational goal previously. If the person's petition for sealing is denied,
then the applicable waiting period under the sealing law shall apply to any subsequent petition for sealing by the person.
Source: VoteSmart synopsis of 2015-2016 Illinois voting record
Aug 17, 2015
Pat Quinn:
Alternative sentencing for low-level non-violent offenders
In Illinois, for the last 30 years, we have gone from 18,000 inmates in the prison to 46,000. We have to deal with this issue in our state, like other big states. We want to make sure our prisons incarcerate hardened criminals, at all times.
We have to do that. At the same time, our society has to ask itself, "Is the best way to punish a low-level, non-violent offender--someone who has committed a crime and has to serve some kind of punishment--is it the best way to have them go to a state
prison, with its cost?" I think it's important in our state that we examine this issue.We are going to take a look at a Sentence Advisory Council. We want to make sure our prisons are always incarcerating hardened criminals; at the same time we
want to take a look at how we deal with these low-level non-violent offenders who still must be punished. There may be other ways; there are other ways to do it, and I think that's something we need to embark on this year.
Source: Illinois 2010 State of the State Address
Jan 13, 2010
Pat Quinn:
Sold unused state prison to federal prison agency
I was contacted by our President and his administration to inspect a nearly vacant prison that we haven't been able to afford to open, Thomson prison. There were then some that when we even opened the door for inspection, criticized that decision. As
Governor, I allowed those federal prison officials to come to Illinois to inspect the prison. When they came through here they found that it was an ideal prison for a federal prison that they were anxious to buy. I agreed to sell, for a fair market value
Source: Illinois 2010 State of the State Address
Jan 13, 2010
Paul Schimpf:
Allow the use of for-profit prisons
Legislative Summary:HB2040: The For-Profit Corrections Prohibition Act. Provides that the State, any unit of local government, or a county sheriff, shall not contract with a private contractor or private vendor for the provision of
services relating to community correctional supervision.Analysis by Capitol News Illinois:The caucus supports a bill that would prohibit any unit of government from contracting with private entities to operate correctional facilities.
Rep. Carol Ammons said this measure would open the door for the installation of private immigration detention centers in Illinois, such as one proposed by the Livingston County village of Dwight.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 85-26-6 on Apr/10/19; State Rep. Paul Schimpf voted NO; Passed Senate 34-14-11 on May/16/19; Signed by Governor J. B. Pritzker on Jun/21/19
Source: Capitol News Illinois on Illinois voting record HB2040
Apr 10, 2019
Paul Schimpf:
I will support our law enforcement community
I will keep our veterans, families, and communities safe. I was taught in the military that a true leader takes responsibility instead of blaming others--I will take responsibility. I will support our law enforcement community, because they represent
what's best about America when they put their lives on the line to keep us safe. And I will work with local leaders across the political spectrum to implement common sense solutions to crime in our neighborhoods.
Recognizing the need for the military to improve its treatment of sexual assault victims, Paul wrote an article for the Military Law Review on the need to establish a victim-victim advocate evidentiary
privilege within the Department of Defense (DoD). This article was cited in military law treatises and DoD ultimately established this evidentiary privilege in 2012.
Source: 2021 IL Gubernatorial campaign website Schimpf4Illinois.com
Nov 15, 2021
Peggy Hubbard:
Don't demonize police officers serving in high-crime areas
Hubbard criticized those who have demonized police officers serving in high-crime areas. Hubbard said police officers are not on the streets for "fun and games" and want to go home to their families. "They're not going to tuck you in.
They're not going to give you a cookie and sing you a lullaby. You shoot at them and they're going to shoot at you. If you try to kill them, their job is serve and protect, not serve and die," said Hubbard.
Source: American Thinker on 2022 Illinois Senate race
Aug 27, 2015
Richard Irvin:
As mayor he defeated the local 'Defund the Police' movement
As Mayor of the second-largest city in Illinois, he defeated the local 'Defund the Police' movement by standing proudly with law enforcement and hiring more cops to keep our communities safe. During the summer of 2020, when Chicago did nothing to stop
looting, Irvin called in the National Guard, shut down roads, and arrested lawbreakers. While crime has skyrocketed around Illinois, Richard held crime down in Aurora. As Governor, he'll continue to be tough on crime and criminals.
Source: 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial campaign website IrvinBourne.com
Jun 2, 2022
Richard Irvin:
Would repeal criminal justice reforms; restore cash bail
Irvin blamed Gov. JB Pritzker and Democrats for the sweeping criminal justice reform act passed last year, saying things have to change to make people feel safe. "That means keeping cash bail for violent criminals,
banning anonymous complaints against police offices to ruin their careers, restoring felony murder to hold killers accountable," Irvin said.
Source: WLS-TV ABC-7 on 2022 Illinois Gubernatorial race
Jun 2, 2022
Rodney Davis:
Expand death penalty; limit aappeals
Davis indicates support for the following principles to address crime in Illinois.- Expand the use of the death penalty for additional circumstances relating to murder.
- Implement chain gangs, in which
prison inmates work together in chained work groups.
- Limit the number of appeals allowed for inmates on death row.
- Support laws requiring restitution to crime victims at the personal expense of the criminal.
Source: Illinois State 1996 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
Rodney Davis:
Mandatory life sentences for third-time felons
Davis indicates support for the following principles to address crime.- Require mandatory life sentences for third-time, violent felons.
- Increase state funds for programs which rehabilitate and educate inmates during and after their prison
sentence.
- Increase state funds for construction of state prisons and hiring of additional prison staff.
- Expand and promote "community policing" programs.
- Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenses.
Source: Illinois State 1996 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
Juliana Stratton:
A strictly punitive criminal justice system is not working
Gov. J.B. Pritzker named Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton to lead a new office that will coordinate the administration's criminal justice reform initiatives, especially prison reform. "This is needed because our justice system is not working,"
Stratton said in a statement released by the governor's office. "The JEO Initiative will move us from a strictly punitive system to one that examines the root causes of the issues we face while creating solutions that put community at the center."
Source: Capitol News Illinois on 2026 Illinois Senate race
Feb 12, 2019
Darren Bailey:
As governor of Illinois, there would be no one wearing masks
[On ICE raids]: "What's the primary role of government? It's to protect the people," Bailey said, justifying federal intervention even against local officials' wishes. When asked about masked federal agents conducting raids, Bailey expressed some
concern but suggested transparency issues wouldn't occur under his potential governorship. "As governor of Illinois, there would be no one wearing masks," he said.
Source: KSDK, "Second Run," on 2026 Illinois Gubernatorial race
Aug 29, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026