HB 3653 awaits signature by Pritzker
Logan County Sheriff Mark Landers offers opinion on Police Reform Bill

[January 20, 2021]   Our state legislators have passed legislation, HB 3653. While it was touted as a police reform bill, it is my opinion that this bill will make our communities less safe while also putting more of a financial burden on our local taxpayers.

Several unfunded mandates within the bill along with legislators' refusal to engage in meaningful conversations with law enforcement should cause concern for the citizens of Logan County. This legislation was voted on and passed in the middle of the night by the Illinois Senate without regard for input from the law enforcement community. When that legislation was brought to the Illinois House floor, sponsors of the bill were unable to answer basic questions on discrepancies and contradictions in the bill and yet it was forced to a vote and passed. This bill now goes before our Governor for his signature.

We appreciate the outpouring of support we have seen in person and on social media for our law enforcement community here in Logan County.

I want you to know that the men and women of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office will continue to show up to work every day and provide professional service despite these overt attempts at defunding and replacing law enforcement within our communities.

We are proud to be an integral part of this community. We are proud of the mutual respect and lasting partnerships we have fostered. Most of all, we are proud to serve in the communities where we live and raise our families. The Logan County Sheriff's Office will continue to serve the citizens of Logan County with respect, honor, and integrity.

Sheriff Mark Landers