Munoz legislation allows CPD to move criminal offender registration site

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Antonio “Tony” Munoz (D-Chicago) is leading legislation that would allow the Chicago Police Department to move their criminal offender registration location. Senate Bill 3354 gives the superintendent of the department the ability to choose a new fixed location to conduct registrations.

Currently, state law requires any person ordered to register as an arsonist, sex offender or violent offender against youth to do so at the Public Safety Headquarters, a location that poses security concerns for the police department due to its proximity to a school and public library.

“Keeping our children safe as they go to school or visit the library is a priority for me,” Munoz said. “This legislation creates a healthier environment for students. Moving the offender registration site ensures we’re not putting kids in a position where they could come into contact with criminal offenders.”

The Chicago Police Department completed 7,430 registrations from Jan. 1–June 30, 2015, at the Public Safety Headquarters located on 35th Street and Michigan Avenue.

Several years ago, the police department moved the registration to the back of the building to minimize the contact between children and offenders as they waited to register, but concerns with surrounding schools and building security persist.

The legislation was approved by the Criminal Justice Committee today and now moves on for consideration by the full Senate.

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Senate Snapshot
What: SB 3354 approved by Senate Criminal Law Committee
The vote: 11-0
Lead Senate Sponsor: Antonio “Tony” Munoz, Chicago
Next: Goes to full Senate