Latest news with #IllinoisLawEnforcementTrainingandStandardsBoard
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Illinois lawmakers advance bill requiring police training to minimize trauma for sexual assault victims
Illinois lawmakers on Thursday advanced legislation requiring increased police training on sexual assault cases that would include practices 'meant to minimize traumatization of the victim.' The training required by the legislation, now heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk, would also focus on identifying and addressing conflicts of interest when officers involved in the case are familiar with the victim or accused. The 'trauma-informed' training is intended to promote handling people involved in sexual assault cases in a sensitive way, said state Sen. Mary Edly-Allen, the bill's sponsor and a Democrat from Libertyville. The bill was dubbed 'Anna's Law' because it was championed by an Illinois resident, Anna Williams, who told state lawmakers that she was unfairly overlooked by law enforcement when she filed a sexual assault report. 'The detective working my case lied on my statements, and it was brushed off when I mentioned it to the chief,' Williams said at a late April legislative hearing. 'I was frequently asked if I was sure that it was not consensual. If we pass the bill, it will help survivors heal from the assault, and then it gives them a fighting chance. It will validate their experiences.' An initial version of the bill was met with opposition in part due to a provision penalizing officers if they did not complete the training, Edly-Allen said. Law enforcement officials also wanted the training to be administered by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, instead of the state Department of Human Services as initially written, she said. 'Personally, I did not want anything punitive,' Edly-Allen said. 'It's about when you know better, you do better, just understanding that we all experience life differently.' The Illinois Sheriffs' Association initially filed in opposition of the legislation, but said Thursday they switched their position to neutral after the bill was amended in the Senate. Proponents of the legislation also include the Illinois National Organization for Women, Illinois Collaboration on Youth, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence. 'The passage of Anna's Law is another step in the direction of ensuring our law enforcement responses to sexual and domestic violence are survivor-centered and trauma-informed,' said Maralea Negron, director of policy, advocacy and research at The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence. 'Addressing conflicts of interest in law enforcement responses will directly support survivors who hesitate to report because of these associated risks.' Edly-Allen credited Williams with pushing her to champion the legislation. 'I actually was a little nervous carrying the bill originally, but her determination and her unwavering bravery to say 'No, this is wrong, we need to change it,' empowered me,' Edly-Allen said. 'She empowered me to do this legislation.' _____
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
State lawmakers advance bill requiring police training to minimize trauma for sexual assault victims
Illinois lawmakers on Thursday advanced legislation requiring increased police training on sexual assault cases that would include practices 'meant to minimize traumatization of the victim.' The training required by the legislation, now heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk, would also focus on identifying and addressing conflicts of interest when officers involved in the case are familiar with the victim or accused. The 'trauma-informed' training is intended to promote handling people involved in sexual assault cases in a sensitive way, said state Sen. Mary Edly-Allen, the bill's sponsor and a Democrat from Libertyville. The bill was dubbed 'Anna's Law' because it was championed by an Illinois resident, Anna Williams, who told state lawmakers that she was unfairly overlooked by law enforcement when she filed a sexual assault report. 'The detective working my case lied on my statements, and it was brushed off when I mentioned it to the chief,' Williams said at a late April legislative hearing. 'I was frequently asked if I was sure that it was not consensual. If we pass the bill, it will help survivors heal from the assault, and then it gives them a fighting chance. It will validate their experiences.' An initial version of the bill was met with opposition in part due to a provision penalizing officers if they did not complete the training, Edly-Allen said. Law enforcement officials also wanted the training to be administered by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, instead of the state Department of Human Services as initially written, she said. 'Personally, I did not want anything punitive,' Edly-Allen said. 'It's about when you know better, you do better, just understanding that we all experience life differently.' The Illinois Sheriffs' Association initially filed in opposition of the legislation, but said Thursday they switched their position to neutral after the bill was amended in the Senate. Proponents of the legislation also include the Illinois National Organization for Women, Illinois Collaboration on Youth, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence. 'The passage of Anna's Law is another step in the direction of ensuring our law enforcement responses to sexual and domestic violence are survivor-centered and trauma-informed,' said Maralea Negron, director of policy, advocacy and research at The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence. 'Addressing conflicts of interest in law enforcement responses will directly support survivors who hesitate to report because of these associated risks.' Edly-Allen credited Williams with pushing her to champion the legislation. 'I actually was a little nervous carrying the bill originally, but her determination and her unwavering bravery to say 'No, this is wrong, we need to change it,' empowered me,' Edly-Allen said. 'She empowered me to do this legislation.'
Chicago Tribune
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
State lawmakers advance bill requiring training to minimize trauma for sexual assault victims
Illinois lawmakers on Thursday advanced legislation requiring increased police training on sexual assault cases that would include practices 'meant to minimize traumatization of the victim.' The training required by the legislation, now heading to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk, would also focus on identifying and addressing conflicts of interest when officers involved in the case are familiar with the victim or accused. The 'trauma-informed' training is intended to promote handling people involved in sexual assault cases in a sensitive way, said state Sen. Mary Edly-Allen, the bill's sponsor and a Democrat from Libertyville. The bill was dubbed 'Anna's Law' because it was championed by an Illinois resident, Anna Williams, who told state lawmakers that she was unfairly overlooked by law enforcement when she filed a sexual assault report. 'The detective working my case lied on my statements, and it was brushed off when I mentioned it to the chief,' Williams said at a late April legislative hearing. 'I was frequently asked if I was sure that it was not consensual. If we pass the bill, it will help survivors heal from the assault, and then it gives them a fighting chance. It will validate their experiences.' An initial version of the bill was met with opposition in part due to a provision penalizing officers if they did not complete the training, Edly-Allen said. Law enforcement officials also wanted the training to be administered by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, instead of the state Department of Human Services as initially written, she said. 'Personally, I did not want anything punitive,' Edly-Allen said. 'It's about when you know better, you do better, just understanding that we all experience life differently.' The Illinois Sheriffs' Association initially filed in opposition of the legislation, but said Thursday they switched their position to neutral after the bill was amended in the Senate. Proponents of the legislation also include the Illinois National Organization for Women, Illinois Collaboration on Youth, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence. 'The passage of Anna's Law is another step in the direction of ensuring our law enforcement responses to sexual and domestic violence are survivor-centered and trauma-informed,' said Maralea Negron, director of policy, advocacy and research at The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence. 'Addressing conflicts of interest in law enforcement responses will directly support survivors who hesitate to report because of these associated risks.' Edly-Allen credited Williams with pushing her to champion the legislation. 'I actually was a little nervous carrying the bill originally, but her determination and her unwavering bravery to say 'No, this is wrong, we need to change it,' empowered me,' Edly-Allen said. 'She empowered me to do this legislation.'
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Illinois announces change in standards for military transitioning to police
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV)— The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) announced Wednesday a change in standards for military members transitioning into law enforcement roles. The ILETSB approved military reciprocity, joining 18 other states that have done so already. The new policy means military members are now eligible for certification reciprocity instead of having to complete the full 640-hour Basic Law Enforcement Academy. Military service members used to be ineligible for certification reciprocity despite training by the Department of Defense and operational experience. Now, eligible veterans can request a certification waiver like applicants from other states or federal agencies can. 'Today's announcement honors the commitment of our service members by opening a clear path into law enforcement careers across Illinois,' said Keith Calloway, Executive Director of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. 'This is about honoring their experience while meeting our state's workforce needs in a responsible and impactful way.' The policy change comes after months of collaboration between ILETSB, military leaders, and state partners, stating that they want to ease the transition to civilian service roles and strengthen recruitment pipelines for law enforcement agencies across the state. 'Our Illinois Army National Guard Military Police and Air National Guard Security Forces personnel spend a lot of time training and learning law enforcement techniques in our ranks. This program expands the number of military occupational specialties that can translate into civilian careers,' said Major General Rodney Boyd, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. 'Illinois National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are great employees who perform well under pressure, possess great integrity, and are professional in everything they do.' To be granted a waiver request, veterans must: Successfully complete the Illinois Law for Police Course, which includes instruction on Illinois-specific law, policies, and procedures A two-day in-person Sexual Assault Investigation course A 40-hour Mandatory Firearms Course with Use of Force instruction and training Passing the Illinois Certification Exam Any additional training deemed necessary by ILETSB Additional information and application instructions can be found at this link. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Springfield police officer receives major award
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A Springfield Police Officer was recognized by the state law enforcement standards board and given the '2025 Women in Criminal Justice Officer of the Year' award. The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board promotes and maintains the professional standards for law enforcement and correctional officers. On Monday, the board announced that Officer Samantha Lulay was being recognized for her 'exceptional achievement in the line of duty.' Springfield Fire Chief to retire next month The board said Lulay leads with integrity and has inspired others through action. The Springfield Police Department added that Lulay has made an impact on the community. 'We're proud to have her as part of our department,' the Springfield Police Department said. This isn't the first major award Lulay has received, however. In May, 2024 Lulay was awarded the Life Saving Award presented by Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher and Chief Ken Scarlette. It was in recognition of actions taken two months earlier. Arrest made in Springfield homicide investigation On March 7, 2024, Lulay responded to a home on Villanova Drive for a 'disturbance.' When Lulay arrived, she found a subject whose left arm was nearly severed. She applied a tourniquet, stopping the blood loss. 'Officer Lulay's swift and decisive actions undoubtedly saved a life that day,' the Springfield Police Department said. To find out more about the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board, visit their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
