In an attempt to investigate expressway shootings in Chicago, Illinois’ governor recently signed a new law, the Tamara Clayton Expressway Camera Act. The new law is named after a woman who died after being shot on a Chicago expressway. The law gives law enforcement officers the authority to install cameras to investigate shootings that take place on expressways. The new law was incredibly popular and had unanimous support in both chambers within the state legislature.
Violence on Chicago Expressways Has Increased
In years past, the Illinois state police have tried to combat violence on expressways. In recent years, police have only been able to make 12 arrests. This rate of arrest is extremely low compared to the 179 reported shootings on Chicago expressways. Gun violence is at an all-time high in Chicago, but without video footage of driver’s license plates, it is difficult for police to make arrests for gun violence on Chicago streets.
What Will the Tamara Clayton Expressway Camera Act do?
The new law will install 35 cameras around Cook County. The cost will be approximately $500,000. The sole purpose of the cameras will be to investigate shootings on the expressway, not “petty offenses” that might happen on the roadway. Illinois’ transportation department currently operates 275 cameras in the area for the purpose of traffic management. However, these cameras are not recording footage due to a lack of capability and funding for the program. These cameras send a live feed to help the agency monitor traffic.
Under the new law, the agency plans to increase the quality of the technology to help law enforcement and to save lives. Those in favor of the new law hope that knowing the cameras are watching the expressways will deter potential criminals. The state police, as well as the department of transportation and the toll highway authority will work together in order to enforce the law.
Be Aware of the Increased Number of Surveillance Cameras on Cook County Roads
Drivers should be happy about the increased number of surveillance cameras along the expressways in Cook County. In addition to the increased number of cameras, law enforcement agencies will be able to use images collected from the expressway cameras to investigate certain crimes. One should note, law enforcement can only use images in investigations of crimes involving the use of a firearm.
Facing Attempted Murder Charges in Illinois
The Tamara Clayton Expressway Camera Act will make it easier for law enforcement officers to arrest suspects of gun violence on Illinois freeways. Attempting to use a firearm to shoot another person on the freeway could result in murder or attempted murder charges. Even when prosecutors cannot prove that you intended to kill another driver, you could face charges related to illegal possession or use of a firearm.
If you are arrested for attempted murder in Illinois, you need to speak with a skilled lawyer as soon as possible. Contact the experienced criminal defense lawyers at Glasgow & Olsson today to schedule your initial consultation.