Advisory Committee on Police-Community Relations

Advisory Committee on Police Community Relations Minutes June 9, 2022 – 5:30 P.M. Hybrid Meeting; Zoom and in-person at Peoria Police Department’s Training Room The Advisory Committee on Police Community Relations met at the Peoria Police Department’s Training Room and remotely via Zoom, Thursday, June 9, 2022, with proper notice posted. Chair Zagardo called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. ROLL CALL - Present: Allen, Boone, Burch, Echevarria, Jackson, Lang, Schaidle, Wilson (arrived at 5:45), and Zagardo. Absent: Burnside, Evans, Hargrave-Murry, King, Parks, and Sierra. Guests: Dr. Keith Knepp and Mary Thompson. WELCOME On May 27, 2022, the Governor signed a new Disaster Proclamation extending the statewide declaration through Monday June 27, 2022. With the signing of this new disaster proclamation, public meetings may continue to be held remotely, subject to the requirements of Public Act 101-0640. Commissions and committees may still hold their meeting in person if they choose to, provided they have a quorum. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilman Allen motioned to approve the 5/12 meeting minutes; Member Lang seconded. Motion passed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Chair Zagardo let the rest of the committee know that Chanel Hargrave-Murry requested that her name be taken out of the running for Chair and Vice-Chair. Chair Zagardo opened the floor to chair nominee, Member Burch who expressed her appreciation for the nomination. Chair Zagardo held a vote by roll call; all members were in favor. Chair Zagardo then opened the floor to Member Lang who expressed her appreciation as well for the Vice-Chair nomination. Chair Zagardo held a vote by roll call; all members were in favor. Chair Zagardo congratulated Members Burch and Lang and wished them well as Chair and Vice-Chair. Chair Zagardo asked the committee how they would like the format of the July meeting to be. Member Lang motioned to continue the meeting in a hybrid format with in-person at the Police Department’s training room. This was seconded by Councilman Allen; all members concurred. Chair Zagardo opened the floor for HB4736 discussion. This is a co-response model that brings together social workers and officers. Dr. Knepp, President and CEO of UnityPoint Health – Central Illinois, discussed how they saw the need to connect different services and how officers can enhance the safety of medical team members. Member Jackson asked who would be in charge of a scene. Chief Echevarria discussed how this is still being worked out. Chief discussed how the department saw a need to change the way they respond to certain calls and how they will be hiring social workers through Unity Point. Mary Thompson, President of UnityPoint Health – UnityPlace, discussed triage and the importance of identifying the highest need in a situation. For example, if there was a high mental health need (ex: dangerous suicide in progress), officers would be in charge with mental health professionals waiting to respond when it was safe to do so. She mentioned that they would be working with both juveniles and adults. Chief discussed the potential for rolling out a Vitals app that would provide de-escalation techniques for officers. This info would be on a fob and would be voluntary information on a person. He shared how in 2021 there were 743 psychiatric/suicide calls, 350 suicide calls, and 343 mental disturbance calls. Chief provided a brief overview of some of the benefits Advisory Committee on Police Community Relations Minutes June 9, 2022 - 5:30 P.M. (reduced incarceration rates, strengthened community relationships, increased tourism, etc.). He also provided examples of future opportunities such as working with citizens in “high fire load” homes. Chair Zagardo asked how many years the program was funded for and where the budget is. Chief said that it is for 3 years, and the money is coming to the police department through the state. Councilman Allen asked about staffing and whether these would be current employees; Mary Thompson said that they would be new employees that would be directly tied to this program. Chief said the funds will be mainly used for personnel that will help connect citizens with already existing resources. Member Jackson asked if the Chief believed officers would be accepting of this program. Chief discussed the changes in culture and the standards being set. NEW BUSINESS – none GENERAL POLICE UPDATE – Chief shared that there was 1 external complaint that was cleared. CITIZEN OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE – none ITEMS FOR THE GOOD OF THE CAUSE – Councilman Allen thanked Chair Zagardo for her leadership and time serving on the committee. He also congratulated Members Burch and Lang. Member Lang asked if the 3 cancelled walk and talks would be rescheduled; Chief confirmed they would. One was occurring during the meeting. Member Lang expressed how she was interested in creating a new brochure for the committee. Member Burch asked that members think about what goals they have for the committee and for themselves. ADJOURNMENT – Councilman Allen moved to adjourn; seconded by Member Lang. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m. _____________________________ Andre Allen, member _____________________________ Janice Zagardo, chair _____________________________ Eric Echevarria, member Advisory Committee on Police Community Relations Minutes June 9, 2022 - 5:30 P.M.