State Senator Raoul’s Criminal Flash Mob Crack-down Becomes Law
CHICAGO, IL – Illinois State Senator Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago 13th) spoke about public safety and social media as the governor signed legislation he sponsored to crack down on criminal “flash mobs†and other mob actions. Senate Bill 1005, which became law on Saturday, allows a court to impose an extended sentence on a person who uses electronic means such as Twitter, Facebook, email or texting to commit criminal mob action or invite others to participate.
“Whether harassing shoppers on Michigan Avenue or coordinating a gang hit in a neighborhood, criminals are taking full advantage of new technology to organize themselves quickly,†Raoul said. “Residents and tourists alike have a right to feel safe in our city, so our laws need to keep up with developing modes of communication, not lag behind.â€
