Illinois makes domestic violence an automatic violation of parole
CHICAGO The Illinois Department of Corrections has changed its policy when it comes to domestic violence by parolees.
An arrest warrant would be issued automatically to any parolee accused of domestic violence, stalking, or sex offenses. The change comes less than a week after Mersaides McCauley was killed by a parolee who had been charged with domestic battery and released.
"An IDOC Parole Violation warrant is to be issued on all domestic-battery arrests including misdemeanor domestic-battery arrests," according to a Department of Corrections memo obtained by the Chicago Tribune. "This change is being made to promote public safety in accordance with our mission statement, and will ensure that during our review of all parolee arrests, as has been our long-standing practice, that the parolee will remain in custody."
Glenford Martinez was on parole in connection with a drug-related slaying when he was charged with misdemeanor domestic battery after allegedly choking his ex-girlfriend. The Corrections Department did not seek a warrant for a violation of his parole.
On April 6, Chicago police believe Martinez killed McCauley. Martinez’s body was found the same day with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Corrections Department indicated last week Martinez’s parole officer knew about the domestic-battery arrest. Officials at that time, however, said the agency was evaluating what it knew about the "nature of the arrest."
Currently, warrants are only required for parolees who commit felonies with a knife or firearm or who don’t register as sex offenders. All other parole-violation warrants are issued at the department’s discretion. (AP)
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