

Story and Images by Illisois Public Radio

Illinois lawmakers are considering a plan that would make it easier for police to get search warrants. A� proposal in the state legislature would allow police and judges to talk over an online video chat.� Currently most warrants have to be obtained in person.

John Carroll is an assistant state's attorney in Cook County. He says getting a warrant can take more time when a judge has to hear testimony from a witness.



"Typically in narcotics, you will meet a judge in a third location," Carroll said. "You wouldn't bring your John Doe witness to the judge's home."



Carroll also says it can be a problem when judges are out of town. Instead of trying to contact another one, Carroll says meeting over the Internet would speed up the process and save police time.