Illinois House Bill HB4585

Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/24
• Refer: 1/31/24
• Refer: 3/5/24
• Report Pass: 4/2/24
• Refer: 4/19/24

Caption

LAW ENFORCEMENT-ARREST QUOTAS

Impact

If enacted, HB 4585 would have significant implications for the way police departments operate across Illinois. The bill aims to ensure that officers are not judged or evaluated based solely on the number of arrests or citations they issue, thereby shifting the focus toward more qualitative measures of performance. Consequently, this could lead to a reduction in quota-driven practices that critics argue undermine trust between law enforcement and communities, especially in marginalized neighborhoods. This shift could also foster a more community-oriented policing approach, where officers build relationships rather than simply enforce laws based on numbers.

Summary

House Bill 4585, introduced by Rep. Anne Stava-Murray, seeks to amend multiple codes in the state of Illinois, including the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law, the Illinois State Police Act, the Counties Code, and the Illinois Municipal Code. The primary focus of the bill is to prohibit law enforcement agencies from imposing quotas on officers for arrests or citations within designated periods. This measure is intended to promote more just practices within law enforcement by discouraging quota-driven policing, which can lead to unnecessary arrests and tensions within communities.

Contention

While the bill is largely supported by those advocating for police reform, there are likely discussions regarding its efficacy and enforceability. Critics of quotas argue that they can contribute to biases in policing, while opponents might express concerns that eliminating quotas could lead to reduced law enforcement activity overall. There may be fears that such changes could hinder officers' responsiveness to crime or diminish accountability within the ranks of law enforcement. The balance between maintaining effective law enforcement and encouraging community relations will be a crucial point of contention as the bill progresses through the legislative process.