Illinois may soon be able to compile up-to-date crime statistics under a new state law sponsored by Lake County representatives and supported by local prosecutors.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently signed a bill creating a crime data task force. The task force will be composed of law enforcement officials and data experts who will accelerate and enhance the analysis and publication of Illinois crime statistics.
The new law was backed by local lawmakers state Sen. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, and state Rep. Dan Didech, D-Buffalo Grove. State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart suggested the measure to the representatives.
The task force will be charged with improving the state’s crime reporting statistics, so lawmakers can have current facts and figures when allocating law enforcement resources. The state currently relies on federal numbers that take months, often years, to reach the public.
“In order to effectively deploy law enforcement and help respond to the needs of communities across Lake County and the state of Illinois, our state’s crime data software system needs a major update,” Edly-Allen said. “This legislation is a public safety win for both residents and first responders because it brings together experts in academia, law enforcement and the legal professions.”
Rinehart said accurate, current stats will help improve public safety and aid in crime prevention.
“The public is anxious to see accurate crime data, and taxpayers want to know how their tax dollars are being spent with respect to new programs. Accurate and timely crime data improve our work to make all people of Illinois safer,” he said.
Rinehart’s office publishes a “data dashboard” on the state’s attorney’s website to track certain crimes, information that prosecutors obtain through phone calls and emails to police rather than a systematic, timely reporting process, he said.
“We can also report data from our courthouse, but data in the courthouse comes from cases that are solved. We need timely data regarding unsolved cases that haven’t been filed by our prosecutors yet,” Rinehart said.
Retail theft ring
Gurnee police say they have arrested four Venezuelan nationals suspected of operating an organized retail theft operation that targeted stores in Gurnee Mills mall.
The three men and one woman were taken into custody on Aug. 3 at the mall by police officers working with loss-prevention officials.
Previously, a major retailer at the mall had alerted police to the loss of thousands of dollars of merchandise. Store employees were able to provide police with descriptions of the group believed to have stolen the merchandise, along with the license plate of their car.
When a car with the same plate appeared at the mall on Aug. 3, the Flock license plate recognition system noted it and alerted police. The four people entered a major mall retailer and again stole merchandise before attempting to flee, police said. Gurnee police stopped the vehicle though, and said they were able to connect the four people with the thefts.
The four have been charged with felony retail theft.
“The Gurnee Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community. This arrest highlights the effectiveness of cooperation between local businesses, local law enforcement, and the Office of the Illinois Attorney General in combating organized retail theft,” Police Chief Brian Smith said.
Victim identified
The Lake County Coroner’s Office released the identity of Sandra Booker, the Grayslake woman who was killed Tuesday when her car collided with a semi.
Booker, 64, was hit by the semi around noon Tuesday at the intersection of U.S. Route 41 and Delany Road, authorities said.
Booker was in a south-facing turn lane in Route 41 when she, for an unknown reason, entered the southbound lanes of the highway and was hit by the semi.
Traffic stops explained
Zion police will explain the ins and outs of a traffic stop at a “Cops and Community Conversations” event on Aug. 24. The event takes place at the Zion-Benton Library from 10 a.m. to noon.
Officers will explain what happens during a traffic stop, along with the duties and responsibilities of both police and the community. Members of the public will learn best practices for ensuring safety and compliance, the department said. Offices will also answer questions.
