Advisory Committee on Police-Community Relations

Advisory Committee on Police Community Relations Minutes February 9, 2023 – 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, February 9, 2023, with proper notice posted. Chair Burch called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. ROLL CALL - Present: Boone, Burch, Echevarria, Jackson, Lang, Richardson, Schaidle, and Wilson. Absent: Allen (excused), Burnside, Hargrave-Murry, and King (excused). Guests: Deeb and Patel. WELCOME On October 14, 2022, the Governor signed a new Disaster Proclamation extending the statewide declaration through February 4, 2023. 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 (listed below). Commissions and committees may still hold their meeting in person or in a hybrid meeting, as long as a quorum is met. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Member Lang motioned to approve both the November 11, 2022 and December 8, 2022 minutes; seconded by Chief Boone. Motion carried. MEETING Chair Burch went over the ordinance and reviewed some guidelines for the committee. It also outlined the purpose of the committee. Asst. City Manager (ACM) Richardson asked about the complaint process. Chief Echevarria explained the general process and how the Internal Affairs Lieutenant (Lt. Deeb) also attends these meetings to go over statistics. Lt. Deeb discussed how a citizen can contact the committee if they don’t agree with the findings of their complaint. The committee’s contact information is included in the letter with the findings. Chief Echevarria discussed how the department is reviewing its policies and the role that the city’s legal department plays. He clarified that he has input as Chief but that everything goes through legal. Chair Burch opened the floor for discussion regarding having an open house to help advertise the committee and reach out to the community. It was decided that the open house would be March 23rd from 6-7PM at ART Inc. ACM Richardson asked about having an East Bluff open house in April and replacing the normal monthly meeting with the open house. It was decided to table that idea to discuss later. GENERAL POLICE UPDATE Due to some technical/connectivity issues, the statistics will be shared later with the committee. Chief Echevarria asked for clarification on what the committee would like to hear about regarding police updates. Member Lang brought up several ideas. She asked if the Community Engagement Coordinator could discuss his role and if he has any needs for volunteers. She also asked if Sgt. White could discuss neighborhood services and neighborhood watches. She also asked if Ofc. Hodges could discuss his various outreach programs such as Holiday with Heroes. Chief discussed bringing Sgt. White and Mary Peterson, the department’s Crime Prevention Manager to the next meeting. Member Lang also asked if someone could discuss the differences between an Advisory Committee and a Civilian Review Board, and the Safety Act as it applies to the complaint process. Chief asked Mas if legal could possibly present on these topics. ACM Richardson asked about the Police Department’s Walk and Talks. Chief said that they are in the Advisory Committee on Police Community Relations Minutes February 9, 2023 - 5:30 P.M. planning stages for scheduling them and that he appreciated the committee members who participated last year. Chair Burch asked if in the future Chief Boone could share any positive stories in the school district. Chief Boone briefly discussed plans between the Peoria Police Department and the Friendship House to identify and help students with high discipline and attendance issues and bring in resources to help address the root cause. Chief Echevarria discussed plans for creating a victim and community services unit with its own civilian director that reports to the Chiefs. There would also be social workers that report to this director. CITIZEN OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE – none QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS – none ADJOURNMENT – Member Lang motioned to adjourn; seconded by Member Schaidle. Meeting adjourned at 6:57PM. _____________________________ Lee Lang, Vice-Chair _____________________________ Shalandra Burch, Chair _____________________________ Eric Echevarria, member