Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez responds to General Assembly’s passage of House Bill 1907

“The Illinois Street Gang and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Law (RICO)”

 

 Alvarez’s Statement:

 

 “There is no question that we need new ideas and solutions to attack the problem of gang violence and today the Illinois General Assembly took dramatic action to combat a crime that is plaguing far too many of our communities.

I commend the General Assembly and its leadership for the bipartisan support and passage of House Bill 1907, a Bill drafted by my office to help local prosecutors attack gang violence in a new and revolutionary fashion by targeting gang leaders and the organized structure of street gangs.

I offer special thanks to our Bill’s Sponsors State Senator Tony Munoz and State Representative Michael Zalewski. I also want to thank Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the leadership of the Chicago Police Department for their steadfast support and partnership.

I look forward to working with Governor Pat Quinn on this important public safety initiative and respectfully request his support as this legislation moves to his desk for signature.”