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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CALLING FOR A HEARING ON IMPROVING THE "LAST MILE" OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE, INCLUDING THE SERVICE OF ORDERS OF PROTECTION, FOID REVOCATION ENFORCEMENT, AND ELECTRONIC MONITORING VIOLATIONS
WHEREAS, the goal of the criminal justice system is to provide safety for society, protection for victims and just application of the law for the accused. The ability to achieve these goals depends on 1) the crafting of effective, fair legislation, 2) provision of equally rigorous prosecution and defense, 3) the thoughtful discernment of judges and issuance of judicial orders, and 4) effective enforcement of those orders in real time; and
WHEREAS, the "last mile of criminal justice" refers to the critical final stage of implementation in which law enforcement agencies, courts, and other partners must ensure that the products of judicial review other than incarceration: orders of protection, electronic monitoring (EM) conditions and Firearm Owner's Identification (FOID) card revocation result in the timely execution of those orders; and
WHEREAS, challenges to effective enforcement undermine public safety and victim protections. According to the Cook County Sheriff's data, approximately 45% orders of protection go unserved. According to the Cook County Sheriff's report on FOID revocation, 68% percent of owners of revoked FOID cards do not comply with the transfer of firearms. While Cook County has strengthened EM protocols, there have been recent high-profile incidents linked to unauthorized absences of EM participants; and
WHEREAS, high rates of failure to protect survivors, family members and the larger community in the last mile require the consideration and use of new tools and recourse, including adapting technology to community safety; and
WHEREAS, survivors of violence rely upon the timely service and enforcement of orders of protection as an immediate safeguard against harm. Insufficient staffing, lack of information and technology coordinat...
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