Dan Proft, host of “Chicago’s Morning Answer,” asserts that crime is not decreasing in Chicago and chaos is on the rise. He argues for the repeal of Governor J.B. Pritzker’s SAFE-T Act, citing remarks by former Chicago Police Department (CPD) Superintendent Eddie Johnson.
“Crime isn’t down in Chicago,” said Proft, Radio Host. “Chaos is more prevalent. Pritzker’s SAFE-T Act/turnstile-legislation-for-repeat-violent-offenders should be repealed. My Chicago’s Morning Answer chat with former Chicago Police Supt. Eddie Johnson.”
Former CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson recently appeared on “Chicago’s Morning Answer” to express concerns that Illinois’ SAFE-T Act, particularly its pretrial provisions, poses a threat to public safety and should be repealed. According to Johnson, the combination of looser detention rules for some defendants and already strained police resources could result in more violent offenders being released onto the streets. This perspective aligns with Proft’s criticism that the law acts as “turnstile” legislation for repeat violent offenders in Chicago and throughout Illinois.
Official dashboards and independent analyses indicate that while Chicago has experienced declines in murders and shootings since their peak during the pandemic, overall crime remains a significant issue. City data for 2024–2025 show substantial decreases in homicides and shooting incidents; however, robbery, motor-vehicle theft, and other property crimes remain higher than pre-2020 levels. Analysts suggest that despite improvements in certain metrics, high-profile incidents along with ongoing carjackings and thefts contribute to a perception of “chaos” among residents and business owners, particularly on the South and West Sides. This discrepancy between statistical trends and personal experiences informs debates like those highlighted by Proft.
The 2021 Illinois SAFE-T Act—an acronym for Safety, Accountability, Fairness and Equity-Today—eliminated cash bail statewide when its pretrial provisions were implemented in September 2023. This made Illinois the first state to completely abolish money bail. Judges now make detention decisions based on risk assessments and offense categories rather than financial considerations. State court dashboards introduced in 2024 monitor detention hearings, release decisions, and failure-to-appear rates under this new system. While supporters argue that the law enhances fairness and transparency, critics contend it provides repeat violent offenders with more opportunities for release pending trial—a concern echoed by both Proft and Johnson.
Dan Proft is a conservative commentator known for his critiques of Illinois’ political establishment. As host of “Chicago’s Morning Answer” on AM 560 The Answer, he addresses issues such as crime, education, corruption, and fiscal policy from a limited-government perspective. The program covers local, state, and national topics while offering a platform to law-enforcement leaders, policymakers, and community voices often underrepresented in Chicago’s media landscape. The show is broadcast across the Chicago region and available via podcast and streaming services.
