Illinois bill seeks to raise minimum arrest age for minors

(The Center Square) – State Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago, leaves little doubt about where he stands on a measure now being debated in Springfield that seeks to raise the age a child can be arrested in Illinois for perpetrating a crime from 10 to 12 years old.

Introduced by state Sen. Robert Peters, D-Chicago, Senate Bill 1784 would also establish that arrests involving such minors can only be carried out as a last resort, in such instances where probable cause that they committed a crime is apparent, or if they have repeatedly failed to appear at scheduled hearings on the matter.

“If a juvenile does something at the age of 10, I think we definitely need to have parental involvement as the priority,” Ford told The Center Square. “And if there’s going to be charges made, I think that parents should be involved from day one, almost as if they’re being charged with the crime.”

Supporters of the measure also argue that it’s well past time that the state makes use of a juvenile justice system that focuses more on rehabilitation than punishment.

“You talk about introduction into the prison pipeline, that right there is traumatizing,” Ford said. “Without a doubt, the child will be traumatized when they are arrested and involved with the police. It definitely changes their perspective on the police. Whatever the crime, 10 years old is too young to be involved with law enforcement. I think parents should be involved with the child.”

Ford said he’s been giving plenty of thought to all the young people taking part in the so-called “teen takeovers” that have plagued city streets, arguing that the scene could also be much different if city officials were committed to a different approach.

“I mean, you would think that the city colleges, city parks, museums, all of those would have free passes for young people,” he said. “What they have is they get to run the streets without structure. You can’t afford to pay for park programs; you can’t … afford to go to boxing class; you can’t afford to go to swim, baseball, hockey, you name it, it’s expensive. Sometimes, students are priced out of structure.”

After passing the Senate by a 33-17 vote, the measure now heads to the House for debate.