CHICAGO (CBS) — Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson was in Springfield on Thursday, hoping to convince state lawmakers to approve longer prison sentences for repeat gun offenders.
Johnson will testify before an Illinois House committee at 11 a.m. to support legislation aimed at cracking down on gun violence in Chicago.
The superintendent testified on the legislation in March, when it came before an Illinois Senate committee.
Johnson said, all too often, violent criminals in Chicago are given a slap on the wrist for gun violations, when they should be locked up for a long time.
Under current state law, offenders charged with unlawful use or possession of a weapon by a felon face 3 to 14 years in prison. State Sen. Antonio Munoz and Sen. Kwame Raoul have proposed legislation that would recommend repeat offenders get 7 to 14 years instead.
In March, Johnson said police need the tougher punishments to help them stop violent crime in Chicago.
“If an individual shows a repeated willingness to pick up a gun and use it illegally, those individuals need to pay a price,” he said.
The superintendent said about 1,500 people in Chicago are responsible for most of the violent crime, and the proposed legislation would target that group.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel said, without the tougher sentences, the Illinois criminal justice system will continue to have a “revolving door” for habitual gun offenders.
“I support absolute tough, certain sentencing for repeat gun offenders,” he said. “I don’t understand what it takes. The repeat part is your first signal they don’t belong on the streets terrorizing kids and families.”
The Senate approved the legislation by a 35-9 vote in April.
from CBS Chicago http://ift.tt/2r06aFB
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