JONESBORO, IL — After 34 years of service to Union County, the sheriff there is retiring.

In a press release posted on the Union County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, Sheriff Scott Harvel says the decision to retire has been a very difficult decision for him to make, but with the recent passing of the Police and Criminal Justice Reform Bill, he feels the time has come. Harvel will retire on Aug. 2.

The Police and Criminal Justice Reform Act was signed into law in February of this year by Gov. JB Pritzker and takes effect on July 1. The new law mandates significant changes to how law enforcement agencies across Illinois police their communities. Harvel feels there are portions of this new law that will address needed change. Advocates for this new law claim many of the provisions within the reform act will provide safer communities and a safer environment for police officers. Harvel says he adamantly disagrees with this belief which is why he has chosen to retire. He feels these changes will greatly affect policing in the future and impede his ability to perform his duties as sheriff.

Harvel went on to say that he gives praise to God for the opportunity that He has given him to serve as sheriff. He thanked the men and women of the Union County Sheriff’s Office for their commitment and dedication to serve this community calling them “the finest example of true professionals which makes this sheriff’s office one of the premiere law enforcement agencies in the state.” Harvel says he feels very privileged to have had the opportunity to work with them and wished them well in their career goals.

Harvel also thanked his supporters and colleagues and told them how much their support has meant to him over the past six and a half years. Harvel says it has been an honor serving as sheriff, and as he enters a new chapter in his life, he will enjoy seeing you around town and reflecting on shared times.