Newsletter SEPTEMBER 2024
Know Your Rights: The Illinois Murder Registery In September, CTJC held our very first in-person Know Your Rights training about the Illinois Murder Registry. Here is a summary about your rights and registering.
What is the IL Murder Registry? The first registry for violent crimes in Illinois was the sex offender registry, created in 1986. In the 1990s, non-sexual crimes against young people were added to the sex offender registry, and in January 2012, the Illinois Murder Registry was created, which separated the two registries and created mandatory registration for violent crimes against adults. Crimes beyond murder that require someone to register on the IL Murder Registry include involuntary manslaughter, aggravated battery, kidnapping, and home invasion. Illinois is one of five states to implement a registry for violent crimes. The others include Indiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Montana.
Key Facts about the Murder Registry People receive no annual notification to register, only initial notification upon their release. The police give people "fail to register" charges with impunity to force people to register for longer.
A sign posted at a registry site in Chicago.
Individuals in our community have been killed because their addresses are publicly listed. People on the registry must notify the police if they leave town for even a few days, and the police can show up at their address at any time without a warrant. This impacts everyone who lives in the household, including children. Currently, there are over 8,200 people on the Illinois Murder Registry, who are significantly impacted by it when they reenter society after prison.
The Five Registries Illinois has five public conviction registries. Below are the five and their basic requirements: Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry - Must register annually for 10 years. If the victim was 18 or under, individuals must register for the remainder of their life, and those who are houseless must register weekly. Must report any changes to address, employment, school within 5 days of change. Sex Offender Registry - Must register annually for 10 years, unless you are classified as a “sexual predator,” in which case you are required to register for the rest of your life. See the registry site other presence and housing requirements. Gun Offender Registry - Must register a total of 5 times annually. Must report any changes to address, employment, school within 5 days of change. Arsonist Registry - Must register annually a total of 10 years. Must report any changes to address, employment, school within 5 days of change. Methamphetamine Manufacturer Registry - more information to come. 6337 S. WOODLAWN AVENUE CHICAGO IL 60637 CHICAGOTORTUREJUSTICE.ORG