Three separate law enforcement support groups issue statement in strong opposition to
House Bill 163, House Bill 3653 and Senate Bill 1188:
Many of the sweeping proposals for “police reform” are seeded in a severe lack of understanding about
the realities citizens and law enforcement members face on the street and, if passed, will effectively strangle law
enforcement officers’ abilities to maintain law and order and ensure safe communities. It will make Illinois
citizens unsafe, communities dangerous to reside in, and law enforcement officers placed in unwarranted and
exceedingly perilous work conditions.
We have now been informed that that language from HB 163 has now been added to HB 3653 in an
attempt to push it through. The Senate Amendment to HB3653 is SB1188.
We strongly urge the Illinois General Assembly to pause and reconsider any House Bill or Senate Bill, to
extend courtesy and respect to law enforcement agencies and stakeholders by giving them a voice in the reform
process, and to diligently examine the horrific outcomes that will take place should the bill pass as-is. It is best to
be proactive rather than reactive, methodical versus rushed, and thoughtful to all instead of choosing to represent
only one demographic of Illinoisans.
Back the Blue Champaign County, Back the Blue Northern Illinois, and Back the Blue Central Illinois
work to support and improve the lives of all law enforcement officers and agencies while also engaging in and
promoting community outreach programs for the purpose of serving as bridge-building liaisons between our
communities and members of law enforcement.
