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The commission will examine the current criminal justice system
and sentencing structure to develop comprehensive and evidence-based
strategies to improve public safety. It will analyze all aspects of
the current system from the initial arrest to re-entry into the
community. Some areas the commission will specifically examine are
ensuring there is uniformity in sentencing structure, sentencing
practices, community supervision and the use of alternatives to
prison.
“Illinois is in desperate need of criminal justice reform. Our
prisons are overcapacity and too many offenders are returning to
prison,” Gov. Rauner said. “We need to take a comprehensive,
holistic approach to our justice system.”
The Department of Corrections (DOC) is operating at more than 150
percent of the inmates it was designed to house, which threatens the
safety of inmates and staff. It also undermines the DOC’s ability to
rehabilitate. Many of those inmates often return to prison; the
recidivism rate in Illinois hovers around 50 percent.
[Lance Trover, Office of the Governor
Bruce Rauner] |
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