From the McHenry County State’s Attorney and Sheriff:
Sheriff Robb Tadelman and State’s Attorney Randi Freese Respond to Governor’s Comments on SAFE-T Act Revisions
McHenry County, IL — Governor JB Pritzker recently signaled he is open to revisiting the SAFE-T Act.
We welcome that openness. Improving public safety begins with a willingness to recognize when a law needs adjustment.
Before the SAFE-T Act, McHenry County’s justice system operated with balance, accountability, and strong coordination among law enforcement, prosecutors, and the courts.
That approach helped make our county one of the safest in Illinois.
When the Act was passed, many of the people who work with victims and offenders every day were not included in shaping it—and the result has been a system that is harder for all of us to navigate, especially victims.
A fair system depends on each part of government being allowed to do its job responsibly.
Judges must have space to interpret the law for their communities, prosecutors must be able to advocate for victims, and law enforcement must be able to protect the public.
When a single statewide bill overregulates or limits that flexibility, it creates a one-size-fits-all model that
doesn’t reflect the unique needs of counties across Illinois.
The concern is not the hearing structure itself—it’s that individuals charged with violent crimes are often released with
- minimal conditions,
- limited supervision, and
- little certainty they will return to court.
Victims notice this first, and their trust in the system is shaken.
Reform can absolutely work—but it must be collaborative.
Victims deserve a system that puts their safety first, respects the judgment of local officials, and ensures violent offenders remain accountable.
That requires returning practical tools and decision-making authority to the people on the ground who understand their communities best.
We encourage the Governor and legislators to work directly with local prosecutors, law enforcement leaders, judges, and victims’ advocates as they consider revisions.
McHenry County stands ready to help craft reforms that strengthen accountability, restore balance, and keep Illinois families safe.
With honest partnership and respect for how communities differ, we can build a justice system that truly serves the people of Illinois.
