GOP lawmakers back effort to give DCFS workers pepper spray
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[February 16, 2022]
By BETH HUNDSDORFER
Capitol News Illinois
bhundsdorfer@capitolnewsillinois.com
SPRINGFIELD – Republican lawmakers are
calling for the passage of legislation that would allow Department of
Children and Family Services workers to carry pepper spray for
self-defense when investigating allegations of child abuse.
This comes weeks after the death of DCFS investigator Deidre Silas, who
died while checking the welfare of six children at a home in Thayer in
rural Sangamon County. Benjamin Reed, 32, was charged with first-degree
murder in connection with her death.
“It is legal for people to carry pepper spray for their own protection,
as many do all over this state. Yet, DCFS workers who have to walk into
abusive homes are not allowed that same protection,” Sen. Steve McClure,
R-Springfield, the sponsor of Senate Bill 4165, said at a news
conference. “This is a commonsense step to help them stay safe while
performing what is an incredibly important job.”
Rep. Sandy Hamilton, R- Springfield, filed House Bill 5688 that would
allow the DCFS employees to carry mace or pepper spray on the job, also
requiring them to complete a training program from the Illinois State
Police on the proper use of pepper spray.
“This bill provides a safety tool not currently available to DCFS
frontline staff, should they encounter dangerous and possibly
life-threatening situations while doing their job,” said retired DCFS
worker Gayle Hopper, who attended a Tuesday news conference unveiling
the legislation.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2022/Feb/16/images/ads/current/castlemanor_sda_FINANCIAL_2017.png)
McClure said he believes the bill will receive bipartisan support.
McClure is also a cosponsor on a bill to increase criminal penalties for
attacking a DCFS worker. Gov. JB Pritzker has endorsed that effort.
Similar efforts failed in 2019 after the death of DCFS worker Pam
Knight, who was fatally assaulted during a child protection call in
Milledgeville in northwest Illinois.
Rep. Tony McCombie, R- Savanna, also introduced House Bill 3646 that
will allow DCFS caseworkers to carry a concealed handgun during the
performance of their official duties.
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![](../images/021622pics/news_x45.jpg)
Sen. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, speaks at a news
conference Tuesday unveiling a bill that would allow DCFS workers to
carry mace. (Credit: Blueroomstream.com)
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2022/Feb/16/images/ads/current/stclara_lda_SPONSOR_090519.png)
Since 2017, there have been more than 2.5 million visits to homes and 20
documented incidents where a worker was threatened or assaulted, and all
of those incidents were reported to local law enforcement, according to
information provided by DCFS last month.
DCFS investigators must complete a six-week training that includes
worker safety and within the first 90 days of employment must complete
workplace and field safety training. In addition, after Knight’s death,
Illinois State Police conducted training for DCFS, covering topics such
as de-escalation, active shooter response and situational awareness.
Under current rules, an employee should call for law enforcement or take
another DCFS worker with them on a call that involves:
A documented history of violence, including assault convictions or
weapons violations.
A document or alleged history of criminal activity.
Taking a child into protective custody.
A report that alleges that the person being investigated is dangerous or
known for potential violence.
During the news conference, McClure said mace or pepper spray might just
give a DCFS investigator the few seconds they need to get away from a
violent attack.
When asked if adding pepper spray into a situation with children alleged
to be abused or neglected could escalate the situation, McClure
responded that the pepper spray was to be used for self-defense and
training provided by the Illinois State Police would be key.
“It’s sad that we have to make a law for our state workers to be able to
protect themselves,” Hamilton said. “It is the right thing to do, so
that those who are working to protect abused children can also have at
least one tool to protect themselves in these situations.”
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering
state government and distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide.
It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert
R. McCormick Foundation. |