State Rep. Chris Miller: National Police week opportunity to show appreciation to law enforcement

State Representative Chris Miller of the 110th District. Photo submitted by State Representative Chris Miller's office.

For Immediate Release – May 11, 2021

Springfield, IL – State Representative Chris Miller (R-Oakland is urging area residents to make an extra effort this year to thank police officers for their service during National Police Week in light of the recent attacks on law enforcement.

“The reality is that there are not many friends of law enforcement in Springfield or Washington D.C. these days,” Miller said. “We are seeing many police officers retire because of the growing hostility toward law enforcement and police departments are having difficulty hiring new officers. Those of us who care about the safety of our communities and care about the people protecting us need to step up and show our appreciation to police officers this week.”

National Police week can be traced backed to 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which that date falls as Police Week. It is an opportunity for the community to show their appreciation for the hard work and sacrifices of those who serve in law enforcement.

Miller said the so-called “police reform” bill that was recently signed into law is an example of the hostility facing police officers in Illinois. The new law (House Bill 3653) eliminates cash bail within two years. It further restricts the use of deadly force. It eliminates the signed affidavit of complaint to expedite the decertification of officers. It places limitations on police departments in the purchase of specialized tactical gear and it mandates all police officers to wear body cameras by 2025.

“The so-called ‘police reform’ law is just a stepping-stone to eliminating qualified immunity which would mean what few police officers we have left could not do their jobs,” Miller said. “The assault on police officers in our culture is real. We need to take it seriously and we need to push back. Let’s show our police that the majority of people are not part of the woke mob and they back the blue.”