Chris Bos | Contributed photo
Chris Bos | Contributed photo
Republican state House candidate Chris Bos worries if some of the most vocal police reform protesters get their way, they’ll end up with just more of what everyone abhors.
“I think defunding them would not lead to anything but more chaos and destruction,” Bos, now running against incumbent Rep. Mary Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville) in the 51st District, told the Lake County Gazette. “I think we can and should offer more training along the lines of de-escalation techniques and mental health training, but the reality is we need law enforcement.”
The great debate on the issue of doing away with police departments stems from the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Memorial Day, sparking protests and violence across the country. Minneapolis City Council members were among the early supporters of the push to permanently do away with their city's Police Department, and the idea quickly gained the support of U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minnesota) and the leaders of the Chicago Public Schools.
Ultimately, Bos is hoping cooler heads will prevail.
“I think the overwhelming number of officers do an amazing job and it’s a shame the few bad apples get all the attention,” he said. “I know there are some things that need to be addressed, but until someone details for me what specific change they’re looking for in a legislative proposal, it all strikes me as just a bit of political pandering.”
Bos, a Lake Zurich resident, said he sees Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot now pushing a proposal that would require all officers to be licensed by the state as just more rhetoric.
“I mean what you go through the police academy for,” he said. “I just don’t understand having to have another license. Maybe something like having to have training certificates renewed so officers are updated on current and new techniques, but beyond that seems like a bit much.”