One Year After Cash Bail Ends, Illinois Crime Rates Decline, Report Shows

Data reveals no spike in violent or property crimes following pretrial fairness act implementation

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ILLINOIS - A year after Illinois abolished cash bail, early data indicates that crime rates across the state have declined, despite earlier concerns that the policy change would lead to an increase in lawlessness. A recent report from Loyola University’s Center for Criminal Justice shows that both violent and property crime rates have fallen since the Pretrial Fairness Act (PFA) took effect.

The Pretrial Fairness Act, which was enacted in 2023, shifted the decision-making process from cash bail to judicial discretion, determining whether individuals should remain in jail before trial based on various factors. Prior to its implementation, critics warned that the new law would result in rising crime rates and increased risks to public safety. However, the data from Loyola University’s study suggests these fears have not materialized.

According to David Olson, a researcher at Loyola, the findings are based on data comparing crime statistics from six months before and six months after the law was introduced. Olson reported a 12% drop in violent and property crime rates across the state. Additionally, the failure-to-appear rate in court proceedings decreased from 17% to 15%.

Jail populations also saw a reduction, with decreases of 14% in Cook County, 14% in other urban counties, and 25% in rural counties. Some of this reduction was balanced by an increase in pretrial supervision, which involves monitoring defendants who are not detained.

During a summit where the report was presented, Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx addressed the previous opposition to the law. Foxx referred to earlier warnings about crime spikes, many of which she characterized as racist fear-mongering. “For months, we saw racist propaganda that was not checked by those in positions of power and journalism to call a thing a thing,” she said, referencing critics of the law.

However, some remain unconvinced that the law has been a success. Former Democratic alderman Bob Fioretti, who is now running as a Republican candidate for Cook County State’s Attorney, questioned the impact of the law. “Ask families of murder victims if they think it’s a big success,” Fioretti said. He has indicated that, if elected, he would advocate for expanding judicial discretion and broadening the list of crimes eligible for pretrial detention.

Supporters of the PFA say they anticipate potential adjustments to the law, including possible changes to further reduce failure-to-appear rates and to refine the criteria for detainable offenses. They also aim to enhance support services for defendants through the Pretrial Success Act, which was passed earlier this year. In particular, they intend to use the Pretrial Success Act, which was passed this year, to increase child care, mental health and substance use services for those who must face trial.