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Private vs Public Cloud: The Insider's Handbook

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 13:15:35 GMT

If your business is considering moving to the cloud , you have several options. Public cloud and private cloud are two of the most common solutions companies use when porting data, apps, and operating systems to a cloud model.

Both options deliver services over the internet using a secured connection.

What is a Public Cloud?

Public cloud solutions are the most common. The resources provided in the cloud, such as servers, storage, and access, are managed by a third-party provider. Amazon’s AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are three of the biggest and best-known providers.

In a public cloud, the hardware, software, and infrastructure are owned and operated by the third-party provider. Those assets, including storage and network devices, are shared by all the organizations that are contracting to use them. These clients frequently are referred to as tenants.

Typically, businesses use public cloud solutions for storage, web-based email applications, other common office apps, and for testing and development of applications they create.

What is a Private Cloud?

A private cloud is often referred to as a data center. It is a deployment where one organization has exclusive use of the cloud environment.

Private clouds may be operated on a company’s own, physically located on the organization’s premises. It also can be hosted by a third-party provider.

The key to a private cloud is the singularity. If your organization is on a private cloud, the services, infrastructure, and applications are only used by your company. Hardware and software are exclusively yours.

With a private cloud, you can create specific IT configurations, security precautions, and customizations. This control is popular with organizations such as government agencies and financial institutions or others where there is a greater need for security, controls, and regulatory compliance. Many mid- and large-sized organizations also use private clouds to have more operational control.

Pros & Cons of Public Clouds

Here are some of the major advantages of a public cloud:

Cost . Using public cloud typically means lower IT costs because organizations do not need to pay for and maintain servers and other infrastructure.
Reliability . Workloads can quickly be moved from one server to another if there is a mechanical failure or operational issue.
Focus . With fewer resources committed to IT, companies can focus on core business priorities.

Among the disadvantages of a public cloud are:

Vendor Reliance . With a public cloud, your organization relies on the cloud vendor to maintain business operations.
Migration. The process of migrating data and systems to the public cloud can be time-consuming and require major personnel and financial resources. Fortunately, this issue is temporary.
Security. While most public cloud providers have rigorous cybersecurity practices to monitor and respond to threats, the customers are ultimately responsible for securing data, applications, operating systems, and workloads.

Pros & Cons of Private Clouds

Private cloud advantages include:

Privacy . As the single tenant, you have complete control over what is stored in the private cloud and who can access that information.
Customization . With a private cloud, you control the way your cloud is configured and operates to meet your organizational needs.
Performance. Because your organization is the sole user, you can generally expect better performance rates.
Flexibility. As your business needs evolve, you can reconfigure the private cloud environment to operate as needed.
Security. You will have the chance to build a comprehensive security solution that meets all your regulatory obligations and provides you with peace of mind.

Among the disadvantages of a private cloud are:

Cost . You will be responsible for all the upfront and ongoing costs related to your private cloud deployment, whether operating it yourself or using a third-party.
IT Obligations . Onsite private cloud configurations require staff, equipment, space, and cooling to ensure that the technology operates effectively.
Remote Access . As more work is done remotely, older private clouds may not be configured to meet those expectations, without the functionality required by today’s workforce.

Key Differences Between Public & Private Clouds

There are several notable differences between public and private clouds:

Cost . Public clouds are typically much cheaper to manage, often using a pay-as-you-go model with a third-party provider. Private clouds require significant upfront infrastructure costs and ongoing maintenance, staffing, and security expenses.
Scalability . When you need to change how much cloud usage you have, a public cloud is a better option, with subscription models that provide greater flexibility. With a private cloud, you will need to acquire, install, and maintain additional infrastructure or, if downsizing, run with excess capacity.
Bandwidth . With private clouds, you’re only dependent on the internal resources running on the infrastructure. In a public cloud, the public internet is used for functionality.
Access . In a public cloud, infrastructure is shared across multiple organizations while in a private cloud, a single organization has access.
Location . Public clouds are hosted at remote locations typically not close to your organization. In a private hosted space, the infrastructure is on-premises.

When to Use Public vs Private Clouds

When it comes to private vs public cloud, it’s often a matter of need.

With private cloud configurations, control is paramount. You can control who has access to data and systems. You can implement strict security guidelines and technologies beyond what is offered in a public cloud.

Typically, private clouds are used today by organizations with highly sensitive work and data or those that are subject to strict regulatory compliance standards.

Public clouds, on the other hand, are ideal for companies with widely distributed workforces or who need more affordable technology options.

Can You Use Both Public & Private Clouds?

Using both public and private cloud solutions is very feasible. Often, companies will opt to place sensitive data in a private cloud with higher security standards and controls. Common business applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and email may be in a public cloud. Using both cloud solutions is a smart option for many companies.

Deployment Options

Cloud deployment is the process used for hosting applications in the cloud. It includes the following methods:

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). Software licensed and accessed online by authenticated users
Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS). Used for developing, testing, operating, and managing applications
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS). On-demand computing services including computation, storage, networking, and virtualization

What is a Public Cloud: All the Facts You Need

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 20:59:19 GMT

Written By: JANO Tech

If you’re looking to migrate data and applications to the cloud, there are many options. Using the public cloud is an affordable option that allows you all the benefits of other cloud options at a lower overall cost.

What Is a Public Cloud?

In a public cloud solution, your organization uses a third-party provider to deploy and manage cloud computing. That means you’ll have access to all the typical cloud platform solutions, including storage, virtual machines, applications, and access.

It’s a model that shifts all the IT infrastructure from servers that reside on your premises to virtual access. Your information and resources are stored remotely on servers that are accessible via the Internet. The cloud option means your company doesn’t need to pay for the costly purchase and maintenance of equipment, update firmware and other items, or deal with the upkeep required by having an on-site server room.

Instead, the third-party provider handles the purchase and management of hardware, maintains secure access, monitors for improper activity, and ensures that the licenses and relevant software are in place.

What Are the Benefits of a Public Cloud?

Among the many benefits of deploying a public cloud solution are:

Cost Savings . With a public cloud, the costly management associated with technology is replaced by a monthly fee paid to the managed services provider. You pay for the resources you use in the cloud and do not have to carry staff responsible for managing this technology.
Scalability . Public clouds allow for nearly limitless scalability as your business expands or contracts due to growth or seasonal activity. When demand shifts, you can access more resource capacity without waiting for new equipment to be purchased, shipped, and installed.
Reliability . With a third-party provider in place, you will have a service level agreement that outlines service up-time rates. That means you’ll know that your services will be available whenever they’re needed. You can also expect that you will be using the latest versions of technology, with all available upgrades and patches installed quickly.
Faster Launch . With your provider managing the upkeep and stability of your technology, your teams can focus on delivering tools and solutions. You will see faster times to market new applications and technologies, built on the latest software. Developers will be able to create, test, and deploy solutions fast.
Sustainability . With public cloud solutions, your organization can achieve key sustainability goals, with reduced carbon footprints and more efficient use of resources.

How Does a Public Cloud Work?

The public cloud is designed to gain better returns on investment with optimized operations. It relies on creating a virtualized environment in which clients store, access, and manage data and applications. Virtualization allows for the distribution of resources across multiple virtual environments. The key components of a public cloud are:

Data Centers . Public cloud providers maintain extensive networks of data centers around the world. The data centers are home to the physical hardware and software, including servers, storage, and networking devices. The providers monitor and maintain the physical equipment to ensure it is operable and up-to-date.
Resource Aggregation . The power of public clouds comes from the sharing of resources. Processing power and storage are pooled among the clients whose data and apps are stored there. Resources are assigned as needed dynamically, ensuring that each client has the capacity they need in the moment of need.
APIs . Cloud providers give developers access to APIs that allow for seamless integration into the cloud’s applications. These tools allow users to integrate functionality, assign resources, and monitor usage.
Service Agreements . As noted, service level agreements detail the level of services provided, uptime rates, and performance expectations.

Public Cloud Service Models

There are multiple solutions – service models – available for clients who are migrating to the cloud. While the options range from provider to provider, here are the three most common:

Software as a Service (SaaS) . This approach allows access to cloud-hosted applications, such as software used for basic office tasks.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) . Provides access to cloud-hosted servers, both physical and virtual, networking, and storage. These core functions are essential for application operations and workloads.
Platform as a Service (PaaS) . A ready-to-use solution for app development, management, and maintenance.

Use Cases of a Public Cloud

Where do organizations use public clouds? Here are some of the most common use cases:

Storage. Storing data in the cloud allows for reduced operational costs, more flexibility, and easy access from anywhere.
Development. Public clouds allow for the development and testing of new applications.
Resource Allocation. Public clouds allow for dynamic allocation of core resources and scaling depending on needs.
Analytics. Public clouds let you collect and store massive amounts of information from the Internet of Things, customers, and products. You can then use powerful analytical skills to access large data sets and glean critical insights.
Generative AI. With resource-intensive AI needs, the public cloud is an ideal solution for processing information quickly.

Difference Between Public, Private, & Hybrid Clouds

Public cloud is one of the three most common cloud configurations. Here is the difference between the Public, Private, and Hybrid clouds.

Private cloud solutions operate almost exactly like a public cloud with one notable exception. In a private cloud, there is only one client within the cloud server. The data and applications are only accessible by the client, with the company hosting all the data and applications. This single-tenant architecture does not always scale as easily and may require additional equipment purchases.

Hybrid cloud is a mix of private and public. In a hybrid cloud space, different data or applications may be stored on public or private clouds. For example, if there are considerable concerns or risks around data access, an organization may choose to store that information in a private cloud with other technologies and information in a public cloud.

Public Clouds & Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a critical component of any cloud solution . Public cloud providers invest extensively in cybersecurity solutions. Encryption, monitoring, and advanced security of both the physical locations and the technology stored there are priorities and are critical to ensuring compliance and confidence.

Jano Tech offers extensive public cloud solutions, designed to meet your unique business needs. To learn more about how Jano Tech can transform your business and migrate your data and applications to the public cloud, contact us today .

EPA Guidelines Webinar for Water Department

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 14:27:51 GMT

Introducing the Updated EPA Cybersecurity Guidelines:

Training for Public Water System Employees

Welcome to our three-part webinar series aimed at empowering public water system employees with the essential knowledge and skills to protect our nation’s critical water infrastructure from cyber threats. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently released updated cybersecurity guidelines, underscoring the importance of robust security measures within public water systems.

As valued employees in this essential sector, you are crucial in safeguarding our water supply. This comprehensive training series will dive deep into the key topics outlined in the updated guidelines. We aim to equip you with the necessary tools and insights to implement effective cybersecurity practices.

Throughout the four-part series, we will cover the following critical areas:

Overview of the Updated Guidelines – Gain insights into the significance of the EPA’s recent cybersecurity guidelines and their impact on public water systems. Understand the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity measures to protect our critical water infrastructure.
Role-Specific Considerations – Explore how the guidelines relate to your specific role within the public water system. We will discuss the responsibilities and actions you can take to enhance security in your day-to-day tasks.
Practical Implementation Strategies – Learn practical steps and best practices for implementing the guidelines in your work environment. Discover how to detect and prevent unauthorized access, strengthen password security, and effectively manage user accounts.
Importance of Vigilance and Accountability – Understand the crucial role you play in maintaining a secure environment. We will emphasize the significance of remaining vigilant, reporting suspicious activities, and adhering to cybersecurity protocols.

By participating in this webinar series, you will not only enhance your understanding of the updated EPA cybersecurity guidelines but also contribute to the resilience of our water infrastructure. Your active involvement in implementing these recommended practices will help ensure the safety and reliability of our water supply.

Take action today to protect our water supply. Enroll in the EPA’s updated cybersecurity webinar series and become a vital defender of our nation’s critical infrastructure. Together, we can build a secure future for our public water systems.

What Happens After Elected St. Clair County Circuit Clerk Steps Down? Here are Next Steps

Sat, 13 Nov 2021 15:21:09 GMT

It will be up to St. Clair County Chairman Mark Kern and the county board to decide who will replace outgoing County Circuit Clerk Kahalah Clay. Clay announced she will resign Nov. 30, after serving as the county’s circuit clerk for more than a decade. In an interview, she said it was time to move on and look in another direction for her future. County Clerk Tom Holbrook, who runs the office that oversees elections in the county, said Clay’s resignation means her seat will be up for grabs in the Nov. 2, 2022 election. He added that anyone who is seeking to run must register by Jan. 2022 and will compete in the June 28, 2022, primary. In the meantime, he said, an interim circuit clerk will need to be named by Wednesday, Dec. 1. Clay’s temporary replacement will be named by County Board Chairman Mark Kern and must be approved by the county board. The next regular meeting of the county board is Monday, Nov. 29.

Kern said Monday night it was “too soon” to comment on any possible nominee to replace Clay, Clay was appointed to the office in 2011 and won election to her first full term in November 2012. She won re-election in 2016 and 2020. The clerk’s role is to be the court administrator and maintain official court records in St. Clair County. The official website of the clerk’s office lists some of her accomplishments.

Read Madison County Official’s Request to the IL Supreme Court to Strike Down FOID Act

Sat, 13 Nov 2021 15:18:35 GMT

Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Monday he is requesting the Illinois Supreme Court “strike down” the FOIA Act as unconstitutional, arguing the act does not advance “public interest.” Read his request to the court here:

View PDF Here

Circuit clerk plans to text notices for traffic court

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 14:13:35 GMT

EDWARDSVILLE — In the next few months, Madison County Circuit Clerk Tom McRae plans to begin texting people scheduled to appear in Traffic Court.

McRae outlined the plan Friday at the Madison County Board’s Judiciary Committee meeting.

“We’re going to initiate a text messaging program similar to what people are familiar with, with their dentist or doctor’s offices, to remind people of their court appearance,” he said. “Initially I think we’re going to start off in traffic court, but it could apply to other dockets as well.”

A typical traffic court docket — the largest in the county’s court system — will have 300 or more people set to appear.

“Maybe a third of those ultimately appear,” McRae said. “So we do a lot of work and a lot of preparation for people who don’t show.”

One technical issue is obtaining the cell numbers to send the texts. Typically traffic tickets do not have that information.

“One of the bigger challenges right now is capturing their cell numbers to send those reminders,” McRae said. “That is a barrier we’re trying to work through.”

He added it would take “a month or so” to initiate the program, but he plans to have it going by the first of next year.

“We’re excited about it,” he said. “We’re working to bring technology into the court system in all facets and make it easier for the citizens of Madison County.”

The committee on Friday also approved several spending requests from the circuit court, including the purchase, delivery and assembly of 99 new chairs for the Jury Assembly Room.

Chief Judge William Mudge said 99 chairs are needed because they had already purchased one.

“We bought one as a sample to see if it worked out,” he said, adding one of the reasons for having them pre-assembled is they were “difficult” to put together.

The new chairs are easier to clean, a concern because of COVID. Chairs now in the Madison County Courthouse will be moved to the Criminal Justice Center.

Madison County Circuit Clerk Applies for Grant to Help Self-Represented Litigants

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 14:00:52 GMT

EDWARDSVILLE — Residents who represent themselves in legal proceedings could soon receive assistance from the Madison County Circuit Clerk’s Office.

“The court system can be very intimidating and time-consuming, especially for those who choose to represent themselves rather than retaining a lawyer,” Circuit Clerk Tom McRae said. “Recently grant money became available to assist self-represented litigants (SRLs) and I began to explore areas in the Circuit Clerk’s office where we could potentially make improvements utilizing that funding.”

The Clerk’s office applied for a $20,000 grant to assist SRLs who appear in Traffic Court.

“The vast majority of those appearing in traffic court do not have attorneys representing them so this was an obvious area to concentrate on,” McRae said.

If awarded, the grant will be used to purchase computer software to automate the check in process in traffic court and make the experience by SRLs more user-friendly and help to get them in and out of the courthouse in a timely manner.

The Illinois Supreme Court established the funding through their Access to Justice Program to encourage development of innovative programs to assist SRLs.

Gina Hargrave, a senior manager in the Circuit Clerk’s office, will act as the coordinator of the SRL program within the office and will gather data to include the number of SRLs served and provide that data quarterly to the Illinois Supreme Court.

“If awarded any grant money we are required to provide information to the Supreme Court for the next year to identify who benefitted from the funding,” Hargrave said.

“We are hoping to introduce the first phase of the improved Traffic Court Triage program as early as late August,” McRae said. “All those who come in contact with the Circuit Clerk’s office are our customers. We believe this program is a big step forward in improving customer service.”

Want your record expunged or sealed in Sangamon County? How to register for consideration

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 13:55:20 GMT

Expungement and record sealing can signify a fresh start for some people with criminal records.

The Sangamon County Circuit Clerk’s Office is partnering with the Springfield Urban League, Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, the Sangamon County Bar Association and other service agencies for an expungement and record sealing opportunity for 100 pre-registered participants.

There is no “live” summit or event this year because of the the COVID-19 pandemic.

Expungement removes an arrest or charges from a person’s record.

Who qualifies to have record expunged or sealed?

According to information on the Sangamon County Circuit Clerk’s website, a person can apply to have criminal records expunged, or erased, generally if it has arrests and charges, supervisions or qualified probations that were completed successfully.

When is the deadline to register?

Pre-registration by July 23 will help determine if a person qualifies to have their record expunged or sealed.

Pre-registered participants can receive full-service assistance with filing for adult criminal record expungement, record sealing and alternative forms of relief.

Individuals will then be contacted by the Office of the State Appellate Defender (OSAD), Land of Lincoln or a private attorney as a follow-up.

Why does Sangamon County do this event?

People with certain criminal records, even those dating from decades ago, can experience frustration and barriers when those convictions are revealed during a job search or at other times when they undergo background checks. Expungement can help give them a fresh start.

This is the fifth year his office has been involved in the expungement/record sealing, circuit clerk Paul Palazzolo said.

“With this effort, volunteer attorneys, the court system and other relevant agencies are working to give a fresh start to those who have made a commitment to turn their lives around,” Palazzolo said.

How to register?

The pre-registration process begins by calling the OSAD at 866-787-1776 Ext 5.

A $30 background record must be obtained with Identi-Check, 525 E. Washington St.

More information is available from the circuit clerk at 217-753-6674 or by visiting the office’s website .

Circuit Clerk Lemons Wins Statewide Award

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 13:49:25 GMT

Montgomery County Circuit Clerk Holly Lemons was named the Illinois Association of County Officials Official of the Year during this year’s spring conference on Tuesday evening, June 22, in Springfield.

“I was honored to receive the Illinois Association of County Officials Official of the Year,” Lemons said. “It’s truly humbling to stand before other officials and receive an award of that magnitude. I was blessed even more by my family being there for it.”

Each year, the Illinois Association of County Officials recognizes an outstanding county government official who best demonstrates the mission of improving the quality of county government through education, while promoting responsible public policy and providing ethical service and maintaining a high standard of importance.

In a nomination letter, Judge Jim Roberts of Hillsboro talked about the transformation of the circuit clerk’s office under Lemons’ watch.

“I can hardly remember the look of the circuit clerk’s office before Holly assumed the helm,” Roberts wrote. “She has completely transformed the office. Holly has been the epitome of modernization. She has undertaken the task of converting all paper files to electronic and digital records, and in the process reshaped the office to be as paperless as possible, not only as required, but to the greatest extent allowed by rule.”

Roberts also highlighted the new technology Lemons has brought to the Montgomery County court system.

Fellow circuit clerk for St. Clair County, Kahalah A. Clay also wrote a letter of recommendation for Lemons.

“Holly is an amazing, knowledgeable and respected circuit clerk, and she has excelled greatly in her role,” Clay wrote. “Holly leads a great office and she provide excellent service to the citizens of Montgomery County. She has implemented cutting edge technology and digitalization programming within her office over the last ten years.”

After graduating from Nokomis High School, Lemons earned her bachelor’s degree from Blackburn College in 2005 and her master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in December 2009.

Lemons has served as the Montgomery County circuit clerk since June 9, 2009, and prior to that, she served as probation officer.

Lemons is the immediate past president of the Illinois Association of Court Clerks, chair of the Illinois Judicial College Circuit Court Clerks Education Committee and co-chair of the Legislative Committee.

She also serves a member of the Article V Committee, Oversight Committee, is a mentor with the Montgomery County CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program, a two-time president of the Hillsboro Rotary Club and a member of the Montgomery County Farm Bureau.

Lemons is one of the first circuit clerks to be asked to teach at the Judicial Education Conference in 2020.

She resides in Hillsboro with her husband, Rob, and their four daughters, Maui, age 13, Brylynn, age seven, and twins Aspen and Afton, age six. The family is also active in the Net Community Church in Staunton.

“I am forever grateful for the opportunity to serve my county,” Lemons said. “I am forever grateful for the friends that have become family through our association. God continues to blessed me with the opportunity to serve both and for that I’m thankful.”

With an eye toward St. Louis, Madison County set to launch crime-fighting task force

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 13:47:25 GMT

EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine said Thursday that the Cross-River Crime Task Force, first announced in April, will begin law enforcement efforts this month.

At a news conference, Haine was short on specifics as he offered an outline of task force operations and intentions in the coming months.

Law enforcement officers will use license plate reader technology to find and track suspects and criminals with active warrants in Madison County.

“It is the mission of the Cross-River Crime Task Force to use joint county-wide operations to reduce crime flows into and through Madison County,” the group’s charter says.

“It’s a tragedy that St. Louis, which is a wonderful city, is undergoing a historic crime wave,” Haine said. “Madison County is doing whatever it can to make sure that criminals do not cause problems in Madison County and in order to prevent that crime wave from sweeping into our community.”

It’s not clear where the license plate readers will be placed in the county, such as along Interstates 64 and 255 leading from St. Louis.

The task force has over a dozen members made up of law enforcement leaders from the county. Haine and Madison County Sheriff John Lakin will select a commander for the task force in the coming weeks, Haine said.

He did not go into detail on what specifically the task force will do to deter criminal behavior by those who come into the county, noting that the task force commander will conduct the group’s day-to-day operations. He noted that the task force envisions “monthly, proactive patrols” of the county using the license plate reader technology.

He said the license plate readers are not the same as a red light camera, and will not be used to ticket traffic violations. Privacy is a high priority, he said.

The task force has not contacted law enforcement agencies in Missouri, including St. Louis and St. Louis County police, but Haine is open to collaborating in the future.

“We were elected by Madison County citizens so we can do exactly nothing about crime in St. Louis, sadly. That’s St. Louis’ issue,” Haine said. “All we can do is respond to the needs of the citizens of Madison County. So we’re getting our communities coordinated and able to operate in a proactive way and in an aggressive, fair way. If coordination with St. Louis authorities proves to be helpful in that effort, we envision that occurring in the future.”

When asked about the task force and its focus on criminal behavior by those from Missouri, a spokeswoman for the St. Louis circuit attorney’s office said in a statement only that the “CAO is not involved” in the task force efforts.

Haine said the task force differentiates itself from normal police activity because of its structure.

“It’s different in the sense that it’s unified and it’s proactive across the entire county,” he said. “We hope to learn lessens every month or so when we do these kinds of patrols and get better and better.”

Illinois Set to Become First State to Bar Police Officers From Lying to Minors to Coerce Confessions

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 13:40:49 GMT

The state of Illinois is on its way to becoming the first in the nation to bar police officers from lying to minors during interrogations. In an effort to prohibit the manipulative tactics cops often use to coerce confessions that often turn out to be false confessions—to which people under the age of 18 are especially vulnerable—the Illinois General Assembly passed in a near-unanimous vote a bill that would make incriminating statements from minors inadmissible in court if investigating officers provided “false information about evidence or leniency” while interrogating their underage suspect.

USA Today reports that Gov. J.B. Pritzker is expected to sign the bill into law in the coming weeks. One can imagine that a bill like this is unpopular with a lot of law enforcement officials who would rather be left to their own dishonest devices and continue lying their way to locking young Black people up, but surprisingly, the bill has the support of the state’s chiefs of police and the Illinois State’s Attorneys’ Association, including Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, who advocated for the bill, citing the “history of false confessions in Illinois,” and calling the legislation “a critical step to ensuring that history is never repeated.”

Apparently, cops in Illinois are coercing false confessions out of people like it was part of their job description. State Sen. Robert Peters, one of the bill’s sponsors, characterized Chicago as “the wrongful conviction capital of the nation,” and said in a statement that “a disproportionate number of wrongful convictions were elicited from Black youth by police who were allowed to lie to them during questioning.”

Another co-sponsor of the bill, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, also agrees that the fib-tastic tactics cops use to draw out confessions disproportionately affect Black people and people of color and that the practice is essentially woven into the state’s history of bad policing.

“I’m incredibly proud of the coalition we built to end deceptive interrogation tactics that harm Black and brown youth in our communities,” Slaughter said in a statement. “With our state’s long history of false confessions, the coalition’s work in passing this bill is rooted in the need to lead with truth in justice.”

As we all should know, nothing about lying-ass cops saying whatever they need to say to pry a confession out of a possibly innocent suspect is unique to Illinois.

From USA Today:

It is legal for police in all 50 states to lie during interrogations. False confessions have played a role in about 30% of all wrongful convictions overturned with DNA evidence, according to the Innocence Project. People under 18 are two to three times more likely to falsely confess than adults, according to a 2017 article in the New York University Law Review.

Illinois is the first state legislature to pass such a bill, but similar legislation is pending in New York and Oregon, according to the Innocence Project. In Illinois, there have been 100 wrongful convictions predicated on false confessions, 31 of which involved minors in recent years, according to the state’s chapter of the national nonprofit.

One thing not included in the bill is punishments for police officers caught lying to minors outside of the probability that cases they worked on will be thrown out of court. According to the New York Times, Stephanie Kollmann, policy director of the Children and Family Justice Center at the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, said that the absence of a measure that would ensure officers face disciplinary action for lying to underage suspects—along with the fact that the bill doesn’t address what cops do outside of an official interrogation room—could incentivize officers to question minors in other settings such as in schools or when they’re stopped by officers on the street.

So, it isn’t a perfect bill, but it’s a step in the right direction. Hopefully, more states follow Illinois’ lead and adopt legislation that will protect young people from ending up in jail due to a cop’s manipulation.