STATE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES INVESTIGATORS WOULD BE ABLE TO CARRY MACE OR PEPPER SPRAY UNDER A BILL PASSED BY THE SENATE FRIDAY.

THE LEGISLATION WAS PROMPTED BY JANUARY'S MURDER OF D-C-F-S WORKER DEIDRE SILAS IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS. IT'S SPONSORED BY SENATOR STEVE MCCLURE OF SPRINGFIELD.

SENATOR MCCLURE EXPLAINS HIS PROPOSAL.

MCCLURE SAYS D-C-F-S INVESTIGATORS CURRENTLY AREN'T ALLOWED TO CARRY MACE OR PEPPER SPRADY. HIS BILL REQUIRES THOSE WANTING TO HAVE SUCH PERSONAL PROTECTION TO FIRST GO THROUGH TRAINING WITH THE ILLINOIS STATE POLICE.