In a landmark enforcement of the SAFE‑T Act, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) removed Metro East officer Jerame Simmons Jr. from the police rolls. The board determined his high school diploma, claimed to be from Dupo High School, was a printed homeschool document and therefore invalid.
Background on the discretionary decertification process
The SAFE‑T Act, enacted in 2021, requires automatic decertification for officers convicted of felonies or certain misdemeanors and allows discretionary decertification when a complaint alleges misconduct. ILETSB reviews each complaint for credibility before launching a multi‑month administrative proceeding that can involve an investigative panel, attorneys, and final board approval.
Complaint and hearing details
The complaint against Simmons was filed on Jan. 1, 2025. While the board has not released the full complaint, it focused on the falsified diploma issue. During an April hearing, ILETSB attorneys highlighted that the diploma originated from homeschooldiploma.com, a site that prints diplomas for a fee. Simmons, then 22, allegedly knew the document was not a legitimate high school credential.
Board attorney Nicholas Kondelis questioned whether an applicant who lies on a police application should be allowed to serve, emphasizing the need to protect the public from dishonest officers.
Sexual assault allegations
Two women, identified as Jane Doe #1 and Jane Doe #2, have accused Simmons of raping them while he was a part‑time officer in East Carondelet. Jane Doe #1 reported an assault in October 2024. Simmons declined comment and was not charged in either case. The sexual assault claims were not addressed during the April decertification hearing, which remained limited to the diploma issue.
Impact of the decision
As the first officer removed under the discretionary decertification provision, Simmons’ case sets a precedent for the board’s willingness to act against falsified credentials and alleged misconduct. ILETSB currently has ten investigators and four attorneys handling nearly 500 complaints from 2025, with more than 200 still under review.
Advocacy lawyer Gerald Polanco of Impact for Equity praised the board’s authority but warned that some questionable conduct may fall outside the current statutory language, leaving a “nebulous zone” of behavior that is hard to prosecute.
Local context
Simmons comes from a politically connected family in St. Clair County. His grandfather, Herb Simmons, serves as East Carondelet village president, former police chief, and director of the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency, holding seats on the Bi‑State Development and East‑West Gateway Council of Governments boards.
The case underscores the ongoing challenges Illinois faces in policing accountability and the importance of robust oversight mechanisms to protect families and communities.
Original reporting: Capitol City Now (WTAX 1240 Springfield) — read the source article.
