Now, there’s no question that we’re facing a big challenge with addiction and mental health. For too long, we’ve seen the consequences of simply saying, “Just say no.” Addiction isn’t just about choices – it’s about underlying struggles, it’s about mental and physiological health, and it’s about people who are hurting and need our help.

Here’s what I believe: We need to come together – as a community – to identify those who need help and, most importantly, are ready to accept it. That’s why I’m committed to working with our leading social agencies and community partners to open more treatment centers right here in Peoria. Together, we can break the cycle of addiction that has plagued too many generations and help those struggling to find their way to a healthier, safer future.

But it doesn’t stop there. We must also strengthen our response to mental health and addiction issues within our criminal justice system. By supporting diversion programs for non-violent offenders, we can ensure those suffering from substance abuse or mental health challenges are getting treatment, not just time behind bars. We also need to make sure our law enforcement officers are trained to recognize and respond to these challenges with compassion and understanding.

At the same time, prevention and education are key. We need to reach our young people before they fall into the cycle of addiction. Through community outreach and school programs, we can give them the tools they need to make healthy choices and avoid the pitfalls of substance abuse.

You see, I believe our schools aren’t just places to learn – they’re places where we can build stronger communities. I’ll be having lunch with students at a different high school every week. Why? Because I want them to know me, to know what I’m about, and to hear directly from me that I want them to succeed, I want them to be safe, and I don’t want their names to come across my desk for the wrong reasons.

This outreach isn’t just about me showing up. It’s about ensuring that our young people know the rules of being a part of a productive, safe society. It’s about giving them the opportunity to succeed and setting clear expectations. If we engage early and set the right example, then together, we can help our youth become the leaders of tomorrow.

Now, I don’t have to tell you – the violence we’re seeing on our streets is unacceptable. Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria said last year that we’re in the middle of a “war on the streets.” And it’s not just talk. I’ve seen it myself – I was in a Walgreens on Knoxville Avenue when a young man walked in, grabbed items off the shelf, and just walked out. Folks, this happens so often that store employees are told not to stop them.

But here’s the thing – we can’t ignore the problem and hope it’ll go away. That’s not who we are. We are better than that. As your State’s Attorney, I will bring swift prosecution and harsh sentencing for violent offenders. We’re going to take back our streets. And we’re going to do it together.

Our police officers are out there every day, doing a tough job. And it’s our job to support them. I’m not one to shy away from holding people accountable when they cross the line, but I will always have the backs of our law enforcement officers working to keep us safe. They need the resources, the training, and, yes, the support to do their jobs effectively. That’s why I’m committed to better communication between the State’s Attorney’s Office and the men and women in uniform. We can’t afford to defund our police – we need to support them, plain and simple.

But let me tell you something else – this isn’t just about police or prosecutors. This is about all of us. I believe in the power of community. And we’ve got to come together – public service agencies, religious organizations, volunteers – all of us working in tandem to make sure no one is left behind. Every community and agency should have a direct line of communication with the State’s Attorney’s Office. We’re all in this together.

And finally, let me say this: We’ve got to be smart. We need to be forward-thinking. I’ll use technology to ensure our law enforcement officers are trained, educated, and informed. Simple tools like Zoom can connect us, allowing me to ask our police chiefs what they need, how we can help them, and how to improve coordination between departments. The future is here, and I’ll make sure our State’s Attorney’s Office is ready to meet it head-on.