The Cook County state’s attorney’s office routinely approves felony charges against those who physically attack police officers, even if the officer has not suffered “great bodily harm.”
In his Nov. 20 column (Metro), Eric Zorn writes that the office upgrades charges to aggravated battery only in cases of “great bodily harm” to police officers. That statement does not reflect office policy under State’s Atty. Richard A. Devine. The information provided Mr. Zorn by this office was inaccurate and requires clarification.
Illinois law is clear. It dictates that an intentional battery committed upon a police officer performing his or her official duties constitutes the offense of aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony. Great bodily harm is not required by statute or by this office to bring this charge.
We understand the difficult and often dangerous job that police officers are required to perform. The policy of our office is that a physical attack on a police officer doesn’t just “go with the uniform.” It is a serious violation of the law and will be charged and prosecuted accordingly.
