Illinois's Criminal Justice System centers on the history, advancements, and changes that developed as Illinois expanded from a totally rural and agricultural region to an area encompassing both its historic roots and a booming urban center with national and international ramifications. As the Land of Lincoln is known both for its metropolitan issues and its downstate farms, so too must its criminal justice system accommodate two diverse populations. Criminal justice professionals who share this diversity of experience contributed to this text.

Its authors have backgrounds in urban and rural policing, state and federal law enforcement agencies, local and regional correctional facilities, and state and federal law. The chapters bring this wealth of knowledge together to encompass the diversity of criminal justice challenges that exist within Illinois. Gang problems incumbent in Chicago are interspersed with the methamphetamine laboratories that plague downstate communities.

Victim rights, juvenile treatment opportunities, and officer training are all discussed relative to the Illinois financial situation that limits criminal justice options. Finally, this text serves as a valuable resource for all individuals interested in understanding or pursuing a career in the wide-ranging fields of criminal justice.