In Conversation With Bekoe: IL State Rep Justin Slaughter Talks Cash Bail, Police Reform Legislation

Written by Vocalo Radio on March 10, 2021

On February 22 2021, Governor Pritzker signed a 764-page police reform bill into law, aiming to curb systemic racism within the criminal justice system.

The bill restricts police officers from the use of force, requires all officers to wear body cameras, allows for more transparency and accountability for officers engaging in use of force and will effectively end cash bail in Illinois. Illinois is the first state to do so.

After a long, hot summer of nationwide protests, many state legislatures began work addressing systemic racial inequalities. The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, who championed the bill, see this reform as a response to the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd last year, tragedies that kickstarted long-awaited police reform.

In addition to placing restrictions on police officers by limiting use of force and requiring body cameras be used, the bill will eliminate cash bail in Illinois, making it the first state in the U.S. to do so.

Historically, cash bail resulted in stints in jail for people who couldn’t pay them, even though they were not convicted of a crime. Eliminating cash bail aims to make the criminal justice system more equitable for everyone, helping to guarantee that personal wealth doesn’t necessarily dictate the impact of punitive measures.

Interview by Bekoe