CHICAGO (WLS) — A Cook County chief judge toughened electronic monitoring protocols amid several high-profile cases, including the CTA Blue Line fiery attack.
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In an administrative review, the Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County released steps to strengthen how violations are identified, communicated and addressed.
Under the new rules, all major violations will be referred to in court within 24 hours on both weekdays and weekends.
Expanded weekend operations to support this 24-hour response are set to begin Saturday, Feb. 7.
The threshold for a major violation was changed to a three-hour absence from their court-allowed location. It used to be 48 hours.
Judges will also retain discretion to issue warrants in response to electronic monitoring violations.
The changes come as multiple high-profile cases involve suspects on electronic monitoring.
Most recently, Bethany MaGee was set on fire while riding a CTA train in the Loop.
Lawrence Reed, who was previously arrested 72 times and was on electronic monitoring for a separate crime, was charged in the attack.
Court documents reveal Reed had violated his curfew several times in the days leading up to the attack.
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“These updates reinforce the court’s commitment to timely judicial oversight and clear lines of responsibility,” said Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II. “Electronic monitoring is a tool of the court, and these protocols help ensure violations are addressed promptly, transparently and consistent with judicial authority.”
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