SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — While most Illinois schools have school resource officers, a Republican state lawmaker hopes to pass a plan this spring to allow retired law enforcement to work as school safety officers. Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) told WAND News Friday that more school security could help prevent fights and other violence seen recently in Decatur Public Schools.
Under House Bill 4216, Illinois school districts could have the ability to hire fully-trained school safety officers starting January 1, 2025. Spain said several of his local school leaders have asked lawmakers to consider this idea.
"They're left feeling vulnerable because, certainly, there is a deterrent effect where having an armed law enforcement professional in place in your school can be preventing these unthinkable tragedies," Spain said.
His legislation could require the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board (ILETSB) to create a new course on de-escalation, use of force, mental health awareness, officer wellness, child abuse and neglect, and cultural competency.
"Whether it's an active duty officer or a retired officer, they are receiving supplementary training so that they can successfully navigate the complexities of providing this service within our school," Spain noted.
ILETSB would work work organizations specializing in developmental issues, prevention of child abuse and exploitation, youth mental health treatment and juvenile advocacy to best prepare the new officers to address issues in schools.
"The situation in Decatur is a perfect example of why we may need to provide these extra tools to schools so that they can have further public safety tools available as part of their toolbox," Spain explained.
While some advocates argue that police should be removed from Illinois schools, Spain said the state needs to ensure students and staff are safe.
"You're not placing police officers in school to arrest students on a day-to-day basis," Spain stressed. "You are putting them there to be helpful to those students, to provide them with a sense of security so they can learn and be as effective as possible at the work they need to do, which is being the new generation of leaders that we need in our state."
House Bill 4216 has three Republican co-sponsors, including Rep. Dennis Tipsword. The Metamora legislator helped Spain craft the proposal with his own experience as the Chief Deputy with the Woodford County Sheriff's Office.Â
Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) told WAND News Friday that more school security could help prevent fights and other violence seen recently in Decatur Public Schools.Â
The school safety officers would wear a uniform that clearly identifies them as law enforcement. School districts may provide badges for the officers, but the badge must clearly state that they are officers. Spain noted that the school safety officers would have the ability to detain people if they have reasonable suspicion to believe someone is committing an offense.
"You might have a retired officer in place at a school building and they would be detaining someone until the local police department arrives for further action," Spain said.
Leader Jay Hoffman (D-Belleville) signed on as a co-sponsor of the plan earlier this week.
Lawmakers could discuss the proposal when session resumes Tuesday.Â
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