Race and wealth disparities continue to shape our criminal justice system, resulting in adverse effects on families and communities across Cook County. Without comprehensive criminal justice reform, we risk losing countless young men and women—individuals with the potential to become community leaders, workers, taxpayers, and active participants in their children’s lives.

Sound criminal justice reform is essential to ensuring the safety and vitality of all our neighborhoods. We must move beyond a system that unnecessarily imprisons individuals for non-violent offenses and focus on pragmatic solutions to foster rehabilitation, reduce recidivism, and restore trust. As your Commissioner, I believe public policy in this area should not be driven by fear but guided by fairness and practicality.

My Commitment to Reform

I am dedicated to advocating for the following reforms to create a more equitable and effective criminal justice system:

• Strengthening police and community relations to build trust and cooperation.
• Addressing overcrowding in the Cook County Jail system by promoting alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders.
• Improving the Juvenile Justice system to ensure youth receive opportunities for rehabilitation and a second chance.
• Supporting Restorative Justice programs that emphasize healing and accountability.
• Reducing the disproportionate contact of minority youth with the Juvenile Justice system.

Supporting Successful Re-Entry

People returning home from prison deserve opportunities to rebuild their lives and become productive members of their communities. I am committed to supporting initiatives that facilitate successful re-integration, including:

• Addressing housing challenges for individuals with criminal records, ensuring access to stable and affordable housing.
• Expanding transitional employment programs that provide time-limited, wage-paying jobs, real work experience, skill development, and support services to overcome barriers to employment.

Addressing Mental Health in the Criminal Justice System

The intersection of mental illness and the criminal justice system is a pressing issue. Hundreds of detainees in the Cook County Jail suffer from mental health challenges, leading to unnecessary incarceration and significant costs to taxpayers. I believe addressing mental health needs can reduce system traffic and treat individuals more appropriately and humanely.

As Commissioner, I remain focused on:

• Ensuring access to medical, mental health, and substance abuse treatment for individuals with criminal records by partnering with experienced community-based organizations.
• Replicating successful programs like the Community Triage Center in Roseland, which diverts individuals with serious mental illness from the justice system into treatment.

Together, we can create a system that prioritizes safety, fairness, and opportunity while addressing the root causes of incarceration. I am committed to building a Cook County where every resident can thrive.