East Central Reporter

The SAFE-T Act's impact in McHenry County has been criticized for failing to meet its intended goals. According to recent data, the court system is facing issues that critics had anticipated. Despite these concerns, supporters of the act argue about a "lack of data," "reduced costs to criminal defendants," and "no major increase in crime generally."

In McHenry County, statistics reveal several changes following the implementation of the SAFE-T Act: a 30% rise in crime by those on pre-trial release compared to those on cash bail, an increase in jail population, a 280% surge in failures to appear (FTA), and a 35% decrease in restitution paid to crime victims.

Critics question how both jail populations and crimes committed by individuals on pretrial release can rise simultaneously. They argue that this indicates incarceration of the wrong individuals.

The act was passed with claims that cash bail led to unjust incarceration due to inability to pay. However, prior data from McHenry County showed that 97% of charged individuals were released pretrial under a cash bail system where judges considered defendants' financial means when setting bail amounts.

Critics claim the SAFE-T Act limits judges' discretion, forcing them to release most defendants regardless of risk level. This policy is viewed as misguided by some who believe it stems from ideology rather than practical considerations.

Further details are available at https://www.mchenrycountyil.gov/…/News/News/18069/11527