Tom Weitzel, former police chief of the Riverside Police Department, has expressed criticism regarding Illinois' Peacekeepers program. In a press release, he said that the program has not delivered measurable results and argued that its funds should instead support police operations and training.

"Over the years, they have allocated millions of dollars to the peacekeepers program, yet there are no positive outcomes to demonstrate from a data perspective," said Weitzel. "It appears to be another feel-good program, with many participants having prior convictions for violent felonies. The funds spent on the peacekeepers program could be better directed toward police operations, equipment, training, education, and technology. These investments would significantly impact crime reduction, of th

See Full Page