On Monday, March 14, 2022, Whiteside County Sheriff John Booker received an email request, to serve on a subcommittee of the Pretrial Practices Implementation Task Force. The invitation was issued by Judge Robbin Stuckert (Ret.), Chair of the Implementation Task Force.
“I am writing to request your participation on the Communications Subcommittee of the Supreme Court Commission on Pretrial Practices Implementation Task Force. Because of your unique experience, expertise, and perspective, you are among approximately 100 people from across the State that the Task Force is requesting to participate in this groundbreaking effort.
“As you may know, the Illinois Supreme Court created the Commission on Pretrial Practices in November 2017. Following the issuance of the Commission’s final report in April 2020, the Supreme Court created the Implementation Task Force, to recommend implementation strategies. In February 2021, Governor Pritzker signed the SAFE-T Act….[It] contained comprehensive pretrial reforms, including 1. an end to using financial conditions of pretrial release; 2. a new process for making intentional pretrial release and detention decisions.”
These pretrial reforms are known as the Pretrial Fairness Act (PFA.)
Judge Stuckert continued, “I very much hope that you accept our invitation to participate. There is a lot of work ahead of us, but Illinois is poised to be National leader in pretrial justice. I am certain that you will find this to be a rewarding experience, and we would be honored for you to serve.”
Sheriff Booker commented, “As the Sheriff of Whiteside County, I have accepted this invitation to participate. I understand the amount of time and commitment required, and I look forward to the challenge.”
