The SAFE-T Act puts both the public and law enforcement officers at unnecessary risk while tying the hands of judges who could otherwise order defendants to stay in jail or post a hefty bond while awaiting trial. Pretrial detention is now based on an individual’s risk to public safety, but critical safeguards are not in place as dangerous criminals are let go with Democrats’ ‘catch and release’ policies taking center stage. Unless a defendant commits a crime on a list of offenses, the prosecutor is not allowed to ask for detention. Essentially, this new provision limits a judge’s discretion because the prosecutor is unable to even make an argument to detain the defendant, so the judge never hears the severity of the crime. In the current General Assembly, House Republicans have sponsored 41 bills that would improve public safety, assist law enforcement, and help innocent victims in Illinois. Representatives Dennis Tipsword (R-Metamora), John Cabello (R-Machesney Park), and Patrick Sheehan (R-Lockport) all have extensive law enforcement backgrounds, and they, along with their Republican colleagues, will continue to fight for better public safety measures to be enacted in Illinois.
“Time and again, we see Democrats claim they support law enforcement, while their policies tell a different story,” stated Rep. Cabello. “Instead of giving police the tools they need to fight crime, they push laws that make their jobs harder and put criminals first.” Cabello has served for 13 years as a state representative, along with a 30-year career in law enforcement as an officer and detective for police departments in South Beloit and Rockford. A bill pushed by Democrats this past spring included establishing loopholes for criminals who attack police by allowing for a mental health episode as a legal defense.
“To excuse bad and violent behavior under the guise of mental health is totally inappropriate,” Cabello added. “This idea puts officers at greater risk and dismisses the seriousness of mental health issues.”
Rep. Tipsword is in his second term as a state representative and calls himself a ‘citizen legislator.’ He remains active and has a 30-plus year career in law enforcement, which includes 17 years with the Woodford County Sheriff’s Office, and the last nine as the Chief Deputy.
Tipsword champions common sense values, including fighting for better economic policies and improved public safety measures. He is also outspoken on the failures of the SAFE-T Act, and during the 2025 Spring Session, he said on the House Floor, “It’s time to repeal this awful legislation.”
Tipsword backed legislation that would expedite care for incarcerated individuals with mental or developmental needs, adding, “We must do everything we can to help people get the treatment they need in an effort to stop the circle of recidivism. This is a huge public safety issue.”
Rep. Sheehan was appointed to the House in April 2024. He remains active in law enforcement, serving for nearly two decades in the Plainfield Police Department. He prioritizes building trust between law enforcement and residents, advocating for proactive strategies to fight crimes. He has championed legislation to bring forth real solutions that support police officers and all first responders.
“I’ve seen the challenges firsthand, with departments struggling to recruit and first responders struggling financially or dealing with mental health struggles,” Rep. Sheehan stated. “We can and must do better.”
Sheehan is a vocal critic of the SAFE-T Act, a law which has led to more dangerous individuals, including those charged with murder, being released before trial.
“Law enforcement is handcuffed and our courts are powerless while criminals walk free,” Rep. Sheehan added. “We’ve had cases where two people charged with the murder of a young child walk free. This is outrageous and must change.”