South Central Reporter

A bill introduced by state Sen. Steve McClure (R-Jacksonville) would allow Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) employees to carry pepper spray as a defense weapon if ever caught in a dangerous situation on duty.

Introduced on Feb. 10, Senate Bill 4165 is co-sponsored by Sens. Sally Turner (R-Lincoln) and Neil Anderson (R-Moline).

"Before I was a state senator, I was the head of the juvenile division here in Sangamon County, so I used to deal with DCFS cases all the time," McClure said. "I never was in the field but I have helped at the UIS training and I was personally confronted just as a prosecutor by a parent whose children we took away from him." 

The bill comes after two DSFC caseworkers were murdered while on the job in the last 48 months.

Pamela Knight was severely beaten by Andrew Sucher in 2017 when she was sent to his home to place a 2-year-old in protective custody. She died of her injuries several months later.

DCFS caseworker Deidre Silas, 36, was stabbed to death on Jan. 4 during a home visit in Thayer.

"These workers need to be able to do their jobs. Pepper spray or Mace are commonly used defensive items that many people choose to carry every day all across the state and it’s perfectly legal for them to carry it," McClure said. "DCFS employees currently are not allowed this same right, while they are on the job."

If passed, the bill would be effective immediately.

"This bill will end that prohibition and make sure employees (who) choose to carry pepper spray know how to do it safely," McClure said. "There is no way to absolutely guarantee the safety of DCFS employees, but this will offer them an additional and important tool. This is an idea that was suggested to us by current and former employees and we believe this is a very reasonable proposal."