The Illinois Racial and Ethnic Impact (REI) Research Task Force was formed in 2011 as a non-partisan, multi-disciplinary group of policymakers, agency leaders, justice system professionals and practitioners, researchers, and advocates charged by Illinois State law (Public Act 97-0433) with determining a practical method for the standardized collection and analysis of data on the racial and ethnic identity of arrestees by State and local law enforcement agencies.

Under the co-chairpersonship of State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) and State Representative La Shawn K. Ford (D-Chicago), and with members named specifically by the law or appointed by State Senate and House leaders, the REI Research Task Force assessed the current state of data collection by justice system entities in Illinois. Its members sought input from policymakers, researchers, justice practitioners, service providers, advocacy groups, and community stakeholders to better understand the current landscape, issues, and challenges related to the collection of information on the racial/ethnic identity of justice-involved populations in Illinois.

The Center for Health and Justice at TASC served as staff to the Task Force.

The TASK Force published its report in 2012.

Reach / Scope: State: Illinois