The Illinois Supreme Court essentially has ruled that private security officers can exercise real police powers. We think the decision makes no sense and worry that it almost guarantees a senseless tragedy at some point. While the court’s ruling applies initially to traffic enforcement on private roads that are overseen by homeowners’ associations, we don’t like where this could be heading. Eventually, a private-duty cop, lacking proper training and experience in tense or dangerous situations, will shoot an innocent person for seeming to be suspicious. In such a confrontation, would the security guard call the police? We hope so, but fear some would see no need.

Read the full story on www.newssun.suntimes.com