Prairie State Wire

Republican state House candidate Peter Breen is warning Democrats not to get caught up in the moment in the growing police reform debate.

“Defunding police doesn’t help us to reach the goal of racial harmony,” Breen, running against incumbent state Rep. Terra Costa-Howard (D-Glen Ellyn) in the 48th District, told the Prairie State Wire.  “Folks come to these parts because they want a strong command and want to feel safe, and when rioters and looters are running wild in communities we have to take a strong stand against that.”

The movement to do away with police departments has been sweeping the country since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Memorial Day, leading to protests and violence across the country. Minneapolis City Council members were among the first to broach the possibility of permanently doing 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.

“Clearly, there are issues of race that have always been there and we have to address,” Breen added. “I’ve spoken out about reform and transparency to ensure we have the highest quality police service. The solution then and now is to improve dialogue but maintain strong support for the 99% of officers who are doing an incredible job.”

Even as work is being down in the areas of criminal and social justice reforms, Breen argues the time is now to support law enforcement officers as the mission continues.

“Too many politicians are tripping over themselves to go to protests but are absolutely silent when it comes to acknowledging all the hard-working men and women in law enforcement,” he said. “Democratic politicians in Illinois have sidestepped this issue and they are coddling those who take a very harsh position against our hardworking officers. The officer who killed George Floyd in Minnesota is not indicative of hard-working, highly trained professionals serving us here in DuPage County.”