Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The SAFE-T Act is set to officially become law on September 18th, and it brings a lot of questions with it. The biggest changes from this law will be the elimination of cash bail altogether, and what offenses are detainable.
Effingham County Sheriff Paul Kuhns sat down with our news department and gave details on what the changes will look like, and what we can expect as the law takes effect. The interview was conducted by Derek Warren.
Question 1: For those who haven’t heard about this law, can you explain what changes will happen under the SAFE-T Act when it becomes law on September 18th?
Question 2: Supporters of the bill say it will eliminate the “unfair treatment of those who cannot pay bail as opposed to the ‘presumed innocence’ of those who can.” What are your thoughts? Does it actually make the system any more fair?
Question 3: Will this law affect Police Departments’ ability to do their jobs effectively?
Question 4: Will this law actually make communities safer?
Question 5: What are the biggest differences in what offenses are detainable?
Question 6: In your opinion, does this law cause a separation of powers issue, giving legislators more power over how law enforcement does their job?
Sheriff Kuhns also expressed his concern about the mental health of inmates, stating that jail is no substitute for the counseling they need.
Sheriff Kuhns ended by saying that while this is a huge change, he is helping make sure the transition will be seamless.
We thank Sheriff Kuhns for taking the time to explain what the SAFE-T Act changes to police procedures could look like and what we can expect once it takes effect. Certain aspects of the law enforcement process will change, but only time will tell whether or not the changes are for the better.
September 18th is the date the SAFE-T Act becomes law in Illinois, after months of state-level challenges.
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This interview was conducted by Derek Warren, News Director for Cromwell Media, Effingham
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