TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — A bill amendment proposed by a state representative could change a law, directly affecting police officers. And now — departments across Central Illinois are giving their thoughts on the proposal — and how it could change their jobs.
It would give a legal argument to people having mental health episodes if they committed aggravated battery against an officer. To qualify someone has to exhibit signs that they were having a mental health crisis. Some officers said they have questions about how this would actually play out.
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“I would ask the elected officials what makes them want to make this only apply to law enforcement,” Taylorville police officer Matthew Nichols said.
Representative Lisa Davis from Chicago introduced an amendment last month to provide a legal defense for people charged with aggravated battery against a police officer. It would change the criminal code and make this argument an option for people having a mental health episode…