Sangamon Sun

State Rep. Sandy Hamilton (R-Springfield) is pushing legislation designed to help keep Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) social workers safe while on the job.

“I talked to Sen. (Steve) McClure (R-Chatham) about this a couple of days ago and said in my profession out in the real estate world in the field and showing a vacant house and not being able to be protected — I have on several occasions carried Mace in my armpit, in my pocket, because it is scary out there and especially when you're going into and knocking on a door and you don't know what is behind that door,” Hamilton said during a recent news conference.

Hamilton is backing legislation being co-sponsored by McClure and fellow Republican state Sen. Sally Turner (R-Beason) that would allow DCFS workers to carry pepper spray while on the job.

“We are here today to hopefully pass this bill to protect our state workers” she said. “They deserve this and this is their right to be protected."

With two DCFS investigators having been killed on the job across the state over the last two years, McClure is now pointing to Senate Bill 4165 as a step toward assuring a safe work environment. The measure would also require the Illinois State Police to develop a training program for the DCFS staff.

The movement comes after DCFS staffer Pamela Knight was severely beaten on the job in 2017 while visiting a Midgeville home to take a 2-year girl into protective custody. Knight died from her injuries after several months in a coma. Andrew Sucher was charged in the case and eventually signed a plea deal for 21 years in jail with no parole.

According to WQAD, Sucher is seeking clemency, with Knight’s husband, Don, pushing the governor to reject the request. At the same time, state Rep. Tony McCombie (R-Sterling) is heading up a group of seven bi-partisan legislators supporting Knight’s request.

“No I don't think he deserves mercy,” McCombie said. “He showed no mercy with Pam.”

Don Knight also contends current law does not go nearly far enough in fostering an atmosphere where social workers are protected.

“What I want to know is what was his reason for wanting to get out,” he said. “Bottom line for the family is 21 years isn't long enough and there’s no way he should get out any earlier than that.”

McCombie has also reintroduced legislation in the House that would increase protections for DCFS workers. The measure would increase the sentencing for assaulting a worker on the job to up to 10 years, making the punishment the same as that administered for an attack on a police officer, firefighter or teacher. The bill passed the House two years ago, but ultimately stalled in the Senate.

“We don't want people to murder those who are put on the front lines to protect our most vulnerable,” McCombie said. “They need to be punished for that, absolutely need to be punished for that. It’s Pam’s bill, that is a call to protect those who are serving the most vulnerable children and families.”

In January, 36-year-old DCFS staffer Diedre Silas was stabbed to death while performing a home visit at a residence in Thayer.

Officers from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office said they arrived on the scene to find Silas dead inside the home with six young children around, none of whom witnessed the attack.

While Silas’ mother, Barrie Graham, told CBS Chicago her daughter loved the work she did, father Roy added he doesn’t believe she is receiving the kind of praise and honors bestowed on other public servants who die in the line of duty.

Police have since charged 32-year-old Benjamin Reed with first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

“It is truly tragic that so many DCFS employees have faced and continue to face threats every day,” McClure said. “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. DCFS employees currently are not allowed this same right, while they are on the job. This bill will end that prohibition and make sure employees who choose to carry pepper spray know how to do it safely.”