Illinois House Bill HB5804

Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/2/24
• Refer: 4/2/24

Caption

LAW ENFORCEMENT-ARREST QUOTAS

Impact

If enacted, HB5804 would fundamentally alter how law enforcement agencies evaluate their officers' performances. Rather than comparing the number of citations or arrests among officers, the bill supports a broader assessment that includes qualitative factors such as communication skills, leadership, and professional judgment. This change aims to reduce negative pressure on officers, potentially resulting in enhanced community relations and improved policing strategies that prioritize public safety over enforcement statistics.

Summary

House Bill 5804, introduced by Rep. Anne Stava-Murray, seeks to amend the Counties Code and the Illinois Municipal Code by prohibiting the establishment of 'arrest quotas' for law enforcement officers. The bill defines an 'arrest quota' as a requirement regarding the number of arrests made by a police officer, limiting the evaluation of officers based solely on their citation and arrest counts. The intent is to create a more equitable environment for law enforcement work, allowing officers to focus on community safety rather than arbitrary performance metrics influenced by quotas.

Contention

The bill could face opposition from some corners of law enforcement management who argue that performance metrics are necessary to ensure accountability and efficiency among officers. Critics of arrest quotas, however, are concerned that such practices lead to undue stress on officers and may contribute to misconduct or strained community relations. Supporters of the bill argue that removing quotas will lead to more thoughtful and community-oriented policing, reducing the negative implications associated with quota-based performance evaluations.