Chicago City Wire

A state mandate being considered in Illinois would require many types of businesses in cities with populations over 2 million – limiting its effect to Chicago only. HB1231 would require businesses to independently employ security guards to dispel shoplifters and other criminals. 

“Creates the Armed Security Protection Act. Provides that beginning July 1, 2024, banks, pawn shops, grocery stores, and gas stations in municipalities having a population in excess of 2,000,000 inhabitants must employ and have on the premises at least one guard during the hours they conduct business with the public. Provides that the Act is inoperable after June 30, 2027,” the bill’s synopsis reads.

There are only around 200 banks in the city and over 260 grocery stores, but gas stations are everywhere. As of 2019, there were over 1,800 gas stations in Chicago. If the bill were to pass all 1,800 gas stations would be mandated to employ a security guard during hours of operation.

The average pay for security guards in Illinois is between $16-17 per hour. If required to employ full-time guards that could easily mean over $100,000 per year in additional operating costs every year for 24-hour locations.

The bill’s introduction comes just over a year after Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot noted she was “disappointed” with Chicago retailers who rely on Chicago Police to enforce public safety instead of private guards. 

“I am disappointed that they are not doing more to take safety and make it a priority. We still have retailers that won’t institute plans like having a security officers in the store. Making sure cameras are actually operational,” Lightfoot said at a press conference. 

Critics struck out at Lightfoot for blaming the victims of crime rather than addressing the underlying public safety issues leading to the crimes. At the time of Lightfoot’s remarks, the city was dealing with a historically high level of crime, including more homicides than in the previous 30 years. Elevated crime rates have continued. Since State's Attorney Kim Foxx wanted to exclusively charge thefts above $1,000 in 2016, there has been an epidemic of theft in Chicago. Since the shift, organized gangs have entered establishments brazenly, stolen goods and fled.

The bill is sponsored by State Rep. Thaddeus Jones (D-Calumet City). Jones serves double duty as an elected official, also pulling down a salary as Calumet City Mayor. In that capacity, he has been under federal investigation. In 2022, an “official criminal investigation” was launched into Jones’ conduct by the Department of Justice regarding campaign donations to “Jones for Mayor,” “Jones for State Representative” and “Citizens for Jones.”