Edly-Allen leads measure to create inclusive new public safety task force

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Mary Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville) advanced legislation through the Senate Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety on Wednesday to create the Uniform Statewide Crime Statistics Task Force.

"This legislation is a public safety win for both residents and law enforcement," said Edly-Allen. "By bringing law enforcement agencies, academics, and experts together, the task force members will work together to help respond to the needs of neighborhoods and communities across Lake County and our state."

House Bill 2323 will create the Uniform Statewide Crime Statistics Task Force. The group would meet at least quarterly to assist the State Police in the development and implementation of an integrated software system for gathering and publishing crime data from all law enforcement agencies throughout the state.

The Uniform Statewide Crime Statistics Task Force would include members from the Illinois State Police, Illinois Secretary of State and the Office of the Illinois Attorney General along with numerous agencies and professionals in the public safety sector.

"For too long we have relied on a polarized media culture and out-of-date statistics when discussing crime trends. This proposed task force brings us one step closer to real time crime statistics," said Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart. "We will assist law enforcement and those involved in crime prevention to increase public safety, improve victim services, and develop effective crime prevention strategies."

House Bill 2323 passed the Senate Special Committee on Criminal Law and Public Safety and now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration