Section 1220.130  Public Policy

a)         Purpose

To the end that the health, safety and welfare of the People of the State of Illinois should be protected from those who would violate the laws regulating the production, sale, prescribing, manufacturing, administering, transporting, having in possession, dispensing, delivering, distribution or use of a controlled substance, as defined in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act [720 ILCS 570], and cannabis, as defined in the Cannabis Control Act [720 ILCS 550], the Department of State Police establishes rules for the purpose of coordinating the operation of all MEG Units and for reporting those activities annually to the Governor and the General Assembly.

b)         Adherence to Professional Standards

All MEG personnel and operations shall be conducted in such a way as to bring credit, and not discredit, upon the MEG Unit, the department the individual represents, and the Department of State Police.

c)         Discrimination Prohibited

No person operating under this Part shall discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin in any manner prohibited by the laws of the United States or the State of Illinois.

d)         Interference with Department Staff Prohibited

No person shall hinder, interfere, obstruct or intervene with any inspection or investigation conducted by the Department pursuant to the Act.

e)         Notification to the Department

The MEG Director will notify the DSP Director, or his/her designee (Coordinator), and the authority of local jurisdiction by telephone immediately, with follow up in writing within 24 hours after any instance of:

1)         The discharge of weapons in any situation (except in cases of required training);

2)         Complaints of misconduct against the Unit or any individual in the Unit;

3)         Serious injuries sustained by agents or defendants due to an arrest situation.

f)         Rights

Each MEG Director and agent shall, in all cases of action by agents of his/her Unit, insure that each person confronted or arrested by a member of his/her Unit receives those privileges afforded by the laws and Constitutions of the United States and the State of Illinois.

g)         Information

The Director may request and will receive all information written or oral that he/she deems necessary to evaluate the MEG Units.

h)         Standards of Conduct

The MEG Director and his/her agents shall adhere to the Department's established standards of conduct as provided.

(Source:  Amended at 42 Ill. Reg. 19207, effective October 10, 2018)