Lake County Gazette

As he campaigns for a seat on the Lake County Board, Lake Forest Police Commander Ben Grum is making headlines with his vocal opposition to the Illinois Safe-T Act, arguing that the legislation has not improved safety in the region.

Grum criticized Lake County District Attorney Eric Rhinehart for supporting the Safe-T Act which provides for a no cash-bail policy for arrestees. 

“There is absolutely no evidence that the Safe-T Act has made anyone in Lake County safer,” he told the Lake County Gazette. “Lake County is the only county with a state's attorney that supported this legislation, and the public deserves to know the truth about its impact.” 

Critics have argued the SAFE-T Act allows defendants charged with serious crimes, including second-degree murder and drug trafficking, to avoid pretrial detention regardless of their past behavior or community risk. 

Opposition has grown to Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart who is only one of two state's attorneys in Illinois to support the Safe-T Act.

Despite Rinehart’s support of the Safe-T Act, in the wake of its passage in 2022 he filed detention petitions against all individuals charged with murder, sex offenses and felony domestic battery in the Lake County Jail. 

Grum criticized the law’s rushed introduction, emphasizing that it was “drafted behind closed doors, introduced at 3 a.m., and inserted into a shell bill without giving legislators the opportunity to thoroughly review its 800 pages, which address over 80 law enforcement issues.”

He pointed out that the authors of the legislation lacked significant experience in law enforcement, prosecution, or the judiciary, which he believes undermined its effectiveness. 

“The bill was flawed from the outset, requiring three major follow-up amendments within two years just to implement the key provisions,” Grum said. “This can be seen through the fact that these petitions even have to be filed and that there is even a chance these defendants could be released.” 

While he is critical of the Safe-T Act, Grum remains committed to meaningful police reform. 

“I fully support meaningful police reform,” he said. “As a member of law enforcement, I can attest that we continuously adapt through policy updates, investment in new technologies, and refining our tactics. However, reform on this scale should be done transparently, with public debate and the input of subject matter experts, and implemented thoughtfully and gradually to ensure real-world effectiveness.”

Grum has previously highlighted concerns about public safety, economic stability and immigration policies. 

With 20 years of law enforcement experience, Grum warned of rising crime rates, including increased auto thefts and burglaries and emphasizes the need for accountability to deter more serious offenses. 

Grum is challenging Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart in the 13th District.

District 13 encompasses Lake Bluff and Knollwood, along with sections of Great Lakes, Gurnee, North Chicago and Waukegan.

Grum, a lifelong resident of the Lake County area and father of two, has served on various local boards, including the Montessori School of Lake Forest and the Lake Bluff Youth Baseball Board. He holds an Associate's Degree in Fire Science Management, a Bachelor's Degree in Business and an MBA with a minor in Human Resources.