The end of systemic racism or the beginning of the purge?
In February 2021, Illinois became the first state to abolish the cash bail system which will go into effect on January 1, 2023, with the passing of the SAFE-T (Safety, Accountability, Fairness, and Equity) Act.
This law has been passed with hopes that doing away with cash bail will end the vicious cycle of systemic racism. But citizens are worried that dangerous offenders will be able to roam the streets freely.
Social media posts went viral after the news broke saying that non-detainable offenses would allow for those charged with drug-induced homicide, arson, aggravated battery, kidnapping, burglary, robbery, intimidation, aggravated DUI, aggravated fleeing and eluding, drug offenses, and threatening a public official to be released pre-trial without having to pay any cash bail.
Poor offenders often sit in jails pre-trial and run the risk of losing everything because they are unable to pay bail. Critics are concerned that dangerous criminals will be let loose to disturb the peace.
Tribe, what do you think? Is this SAFE-T Act providing more equity or more danger amongst our communities?
Dejyah Yisraèl contributed to this article through The Kingdom Magazine.
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