SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Litesa Wallace, D-Rockford, passed legislation recently that will require independent investigations for cases involving law enforcement officials who are accused of sexual assault.
“It is important that we continue to hold our police officers accountable during moments of potential misconduct,” Wallace said. “This legislation aims to build trust between the police and our local community.”
Under Wallace’s House Bill 270, when an allegation of sexual assault against a police officer who was on duty is brought forward, the law enforcement agency that employs the officer will not perform the investigation. Instead, a separate law enforcement authority will be called upon to look at the case. Additionally, police departments will be required to adopt a written policy regarding officer-involved investigations of sexual assault.
Wallace’s bill was supported by the Illinois Police Association, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
“Those who have survived situations that were forced upon them have difficulty sharing their story and moving forward,” Wallace said. “It is my hope that this bill is quickly sent to the governor and he immediately signs it into law.”
For more information, please contact Wallace’s constituent service office at 815-987-7433 or at litesa@staterepwallace.com.