SAFE-T Act: Prosecutor says defendant rights are trumping victim rights (Pt 3)

In the final chapter of our three-part SAFE-T Act special, host Garry McCarthy sits down with Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow to examine the controversial law from the prosecutor’s chair. Glasgow details how new restrictions “handcuff” those seeking justice, why enforcing warrants is critical to curbing crime, and how a new bill in Springfield could make most routine traffic stops—like expired plates or speeding—illegal. They explore why such stops remain a vital crime-fighting tool, and the unique risks officers face every day. Beyond the headlines, Glasgow shares his decades of public service, his unwavering support for police K-9 units, and the charities he founded that pair service dogs with child survivors of sexual abuse—helping them through the darkest moments of investigations. The conversation closes with a rare, behind-the-scenes look at Glasgow’s prosecution of Drew Peterson, the twists of the trial, and the unanswered questions that linger to this day. 00:00 Introduction 00:54 Meeting James Glasgow – Career path, shared history with Garry, and early life. 04:25 Giving Back to the Community – Adoption story, youth programs, and character education. 06:42 The SAFE-T Act from a Prosecutor’s View – How it passed, early problems, and pushing for fixes. 10:07 Warrants, Felony Murder, and Public Safety – Why enforcement matters and the risks of recent legal changes. 14:54 Proposed Ban on Routine Traffic Stops – From expired plates to excessive tint, and why officers push back. 18:46 Doing the Right Thing in High-Profile Cases – Kevin Fox, Internal Affairs stories, and navigating politics. 25:34 Protecting Animals and Supporting K-9 Units – From felony animal abuse laws to police dogs saving lives. 35:04 The Hidden Costs of Training – Overtime, quality issues, and AI-based instruction. 37:29 Dangerous Crimes That Aren’t Detainable – Fentanyl, threats to public officials, and gaps in the law. 38:01 Body Cam Restrictions and Human Memory – Why report-writing rules mattered. 44:36 The Drew Peterson Cases – Murder-for-hire plot, Savio’s death, and conviction. 51:03 Final Reflections on Public Safety – Risks officers take, balancing justice, and doing the job right. 53:49 Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices