In Illinois, as in other states, there are many towns and cities with what are known as “crime-free housing” ordinances. The idea is to keep drugs and other illegal activity out of apartment buildings and other rental properties. If a place is found to be problematic, authorities can lean on the landlord to evict the tenant in question.

But an investigation by the Illinois Answers Project found that in towns across Illinois, people have been evicted not for violent crimes, but for allegations as minor as speeding … or even making too many calls to 911 for help. Critics say the ordinances disproportionately target low-income families and people of color while supporters of the law say the programs ensure safety and have helped revitalize struggling neighborhoods.

The journalist behind the investigative piece and an opponent of the ordinace as well as an advocate for it join the program.

GUESTS

Sidnee King 
Reporter, Illinois Answers

Emily Coffey 
Director of Equitable Community Development & Housing, Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights

Mike Banske 
President, Illinois Crime Free Association
Crime Free Housing Coordinator, Calumet City Police Department
Retired police officer