COUNTRYSIDE—State Representative Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), has been appointed by House Republican Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) to serve on the newly formed Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory Council. The purpose of the council is to review sentencing policies and practices in Illinois and examine how these policies and practices impact the criminal justice system.
“In light of recent developments it is evident that we need to re-examine policies within the Department of Corrections,” Rep. Durkin said. “The main task of this council is to ensure the public’s safety is not being compromised through any law or administrative policy.”
“I selected Representative Durkin to serve on the council because of his extensive legal experience and background as a former Cook County Gangs and Narcotics Prosecutor. He brings to the council his legal expertise and a unique insight into what steps need to be taken to better protect our citizens,” said Cross.
The council established by a new law (Public Act 96-711) will collect and analyze sentencing data, crime trends, and existing correctional resources. The council will prepare criminal justice population projections annually and analyze data relevant to proposed sentencing legislation and its effect on current policies or practices.
“Their job will be to collect data, analyze, and report back to the General Assembly and the Governor’s Office,” said Peter Baroni, Director of the Criminal Law Edit, Alignment and Reform (CLEAR) Commission, which recommended formation of the new council. The Clear Commission has been working since 2005 to review and reform the Illinois Criminal Code and Code of Corrections making them less complex and easier to comprehend. Through its work, the CLEAR Commission found there to be a lack of regular sentencing data needed by policy makers to improve the overall management and efficiency of the criminal justice process.
Rep. Durkin joins a wide array of council members including law enforcement officials, victims’ advocates, retired judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys and other elected officials.
“We need to re-examine not only suggested sentencing periods, but policies that may alter those sentences that put the public at large in danger,” said Durkin.