Criminal Legal Systems and Policing

Decades of politically-motivated policies aimed at being “tough” on crime have produced no results in combatting crime and filled our prisons and jails with persons who pose little risk to our society. The ACLU of Illinois stands ready to works with elected officials and representatives in the criminal justice system who are committed to bringing real reform to this system. The ACLU of Illinois believes that re-focusing the system away from punishment and revenge to focus on rehabilitation and reconnecting persons who are incarcerated to the communities they are rejoining. These policies will help heal communities and reduce recidivism.

The ACLU of Illinois historically has confronted policing practices and attitudes entrenched in many municipalities that result in reprehensible and unconstitutional racially-biased policing. Many police agencies–especially in Chicago–are broken and need sustained, focused attention with court oversight to be reformed. The ACLU of Illinois is committed to this process, and to seeing reforms through. We are working to change official and unofficial policies that protect officers engaged in abuse and misconduct against residents. These problems have been especially troubling historically in communities of color. The ACLU of Illinois believes that we can build a police system that encourages and respects each individual, welcomes community involvement and serves every neighborhood.