IL Governor Signs "Anti-Police Bill" into Law
While the bill requires body cameras, it does not allow officers to review their own footage before writing a report, which critics say puts them in an impossible position.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed a sweeping police reform bill into law Monday that will end cash bail, allow anonymous complaints against officers, prohibits chokeholds, and require all police to have body cameras by 2025.
House Bill 3653 known as the Police and Criminal Justice Reform Bill has been characterized by some critics as the "anti-police bill."
One of the key components of the bill is the elimination of cash bail by 2023.
Critics say the way the bill is written could put dangerous criminal back on the street by limiting judges' discretion on detaining them.
Supporters say getting rid of cash bail doesn't mean everyone goes free while awaiting trial. Judges make that call based on the threat a defendant poses.
Some Illinois police chiefs say punitive language in the bill makes it difficult for officers to do their jobs, ABC7 reports.
While the bill requires body cameras, it does not allow officers to review their own footage before writing a report, which critics say puts them in an impossible position.
"Now the officer is guilty of misconduct because he left out information that was on the body camera, but it wasn't in the report. According to this bill, he is guilty of a Class 3 felony," said Indian Head Park Police Chief Steven Stelter.
"It's unfortunate," said Oak Brook Police Chief James Kruger. "All we needed to do was have the opportunity to explain why something may or may not work, without affecting the spirit of what they were trying to accomplish. Kruger said Illinois chiefs support reform, but were not included in crafting the bill.
One provision in the law prevents officers from tasing someone in the back, but police said they are trained to use the back because it is the safest part of the body."Now you are forcing an officer to only tase someone in the front of their body and who knows, in the heat of the moment they may tase somebody in places they are not supposed to; in the groin, head, neck," Stelter said.
More Patrol

5 Things to Know When Buying Backup Lights for Patrol Use
What is the value of a backup light, and what do you need to consider when selecting one? These smaller lights are invaluable as a secondary or special-purpose light and can be easily carried in a pocket or clipped to MOLLE gear, a key chain, shirt, or a vest.
Read More →
363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week
In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.
Read More →
NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.
Read More →
National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today
A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.
Read More →
Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police
The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.
Read More →
Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.
Read More →
What Should Be in Your IFAK?
What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.
Read More →
Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black
Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.
Read More →
Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet
Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.
Read More →
Garmont Tactical Introduces the T8 Specter LE Zip for LE Professionals
Garmont Tactical has a new 8-inch duty boot with a side zipper, the T8 Specter LE Zip. The boot is available now and features ankle support in a standard duty profile with polishable leather.
Read More →