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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CREATING AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL TASK FORCE TO REDUCE CRIME COMMITTED BY PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS AND/OR SUBSTANCE ABUSE
WHEREAS, the County of Cook is a home rule unit of government as defined in Article VII, Section 6(a) of the 1970 Constitution of the State of Illinois, and as such may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs; and
WHEREAS, the State of Illinois has primary responsibility for individuals with mental illness and drug addiction and it has imposed upon Cook County tax payers to shoulder the entire financial burden; and
WHEREAS, the closing of Illinois mental health institutions and resources for treatment at the local level, are the driving influences for the increase in the homeless population, the crime rate, and overcrowding at Cook County Jail; and
WHEREAS, according to the latest law enforcement data approximately 65% of homicides are committed by individuals with mental illness and/or drug addicted; and
WHEREAS, Cook County has experienced a drastic increase in gun crimes resulting in injury,and death of innocent babies, youth, and bystanders, which has drawn attention throughout the country and abroad; and
WHEREAS, the release of thousands of ex-offenders and returning veterans who have exhausted all legal means to supply their basic needs, creates fertile ground for expanding violent subcultures; and
WHEREAS, gangs and other criminal elements have formed a culture of violence and retaliation which has begun to dominate economically distressed communities with fear, human trafficking and economic exploitation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Board of Commissioners create an intergovernmental task force to reduce crime committed by persons with mental illness and/or substance abuse.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the task force is represented of federal, state, county, local government and community stakeholders. The purp...
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