SPRINGFIELD, Ill., March 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- State Representative Carol A. Sente of Lincolnshire was named the 2012 Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) Public Official of the Year, in recognition of her efforts benefiting law enforcement and the criminal justice system.  The award will be presented March 20 at a reception honoring all members of the 98^th Illinois General Assembly at the Sangamo Club in Springfield.

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"Representative Sente has shown the highest level of concern for the well being of the citizens of Illinois," said Robert Porter, acting ILACP president. "She is being recognized for her individual efforts and commitment as a supporter of Illinois law enforcement."  Among her efforts that led to her selection was sponsoring public safety legislation on social hosting (underage drinking), reciprocal reporting (juvenile records release), preventing sex offenders from working at local fairs, the prohibition of manufacturing of large capacity ammunition feeding devices, and the use of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) funds for law enforcement training and equipment. 

Nominations are made by ILACP members each year. Award nominees must meet minimum criteria established by the organization. Any elected or appointed federal or state official from the executive, judicial or legislative branches of government, or their staff, are eligible. Nominees must exhibit knowledge and understanding of law enforcement concerns as they relate to state or federal legislation, and have demonstrated exceptional efforts by sponsoring and/or supporting legislation of importance to law enforcement in Illinois, and in the best interest of the ILACP membership, including working to find legislative solutions to law enforcement concerns where necessary, whether through negotiation or outspoken support.

SOURCE Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police