Executive Summary
In 2021, Illinois passed a law requiring police officers to issue a citation at the site of arrest for certain low-level crimes instead of bringing a person into custody, a reform commonly known as citation in lieu of arrest (CILOA). This powerful tool has the potential to minimize the compounding detrimental effects of criminalization and incarceration while simultaneously freeing up public safety resources. As law enforcement departments across the state interpret and implement this law, uneven application and deviation from the statute have contributed to inconsistent use of CILOA within Chicago and beyond.
This report reviews implementation of CILOA with a focus on Illinois’ largest police agency, the Chicago Police Department (CPD), and anecdotal evidence from six other jurisdictions. The CPD data suggests four main conclusions regarding the implementation of CILOA in Chicago:
- CILOA rates have gone down since implementation began in September 2023.
- The types of offenses a person is accused of appear to significantly impact whether they are ultimately granted CILOA.
- In Chicago, the rates of CILOA vary substantially depending on location.
- A person’s race appears to have a relationship with whether a person is granted CILOA.
A review of CPD’s policy and training illuminates misinterpretations of the CILOA law that may be limiting its application. Ultimately, this report raises concerns about how consistently and effectively CILOA is being implemented. Based on these findings, we offer recommendations to bring Illinois and Chicago into closer compliance with the law. With greater clarity, oversight, and enforcement, departments can fully implement CILOA, and we as a state can reduce unnecessary and harmful
criminal legal system contacts.
