Advisory Committee on Police-Community Relations

Advisory Committee on Police Community Relations Minutes March 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, March 9, 2023, with proper notice posted. Chair Burch called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. ROLL CALL - Present: Allen (left at 6PM), Burch, Burnside, Echevarria, King, Lang, Richardson, and Schaidle. Absent: Boone, Hargrave-Murry, Jackson, and Wilson. Guests: Deeb, Patel and White. WELCOME On March 3, 2023, the Governor signed a new Disaster Proclamation extending the statewide declaration through April 2, 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. 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 the February 9, 2023, minutes; seconded by Member King. Motion carried. MEETING Chair Burch discussed the Open House on March 23rd from 6-7PM at ART Inc. Asst. City Manager (ACM) Richardson, Councilman Allen, Member King, Member Schaidle, and Member Burnside confirmed that they would be attending. It was discussed that since there wouldn’t be a quorum, the open house wouldn’t need to be noticed. Member Allen asked about live streaming. It was decided that due to time constraints that the 1st open house would just be in person since there would be extra steps that would need to be taken to coordinate live streaming. Chair Burch went over the flow of the meeting and the agenda. She encouraged members to post the open house flier to encourage citizen attendance. It was discussed that a press release would be released by the City. ACM Richardson asked about the room setup. Chair Burch discussed how she envisioned an open setup to encourage discussion and that Vice-Chair Lang and herself would meet to see the space beforehand. Member King asked about bringing pamphlets; Vice-Chair Lang confirmed that she would bring some. ACM Richardson asked about inviting the 3 new appointments from the March 14th council meeting. Christina confirmed that she would email them to extend an invitation. Chair Burch opened the floor for discussion regarding attendance and recommending a dismissal of Member Hargrave-Murry to Mayor Ali due to lack of attendance. Members were shown an attendance chart for the past year. Attorney Perkins went over the attendance policy and the process for excusing a member. The committee would make a recommendation to the Mayor which would then go to the Council. Members discussed how they understand that people have other commitments and that this does not reflect poorly on them. Chief Echevarria called Member Hargrave-Murry offline, and she confirmed that she was good with being off the committee. ACM Richardson moved to recommend removal of Member Hargrave- Murry due to lack of attendance; Vice-Chair Lang seconded. Motion passed. GENERAL POLICE UPDATE Lt. Deeb opened the floor for discussion regarding his memo that was sent to the Committee regarding complaints statistics. Lt. Deeb clarified that his statistics only include the complaints that came to his office and do not include ones that supervisors may receive and handle at their level. Advisory Committee on Police Community Relations Minutes March 9, 2023 - 5:30 P.M. Sgt. Chris White who was invited from the February meeting discussed the Neighborhood Services Unit and the various programs and services they offer. This unit consists of 4 resident officers, a NSU officer, a Community Engagement Coordinator, a Community Relations Crime Prevention Manager, and a Project Coordinator. Chair Burch asked about trends in resources in certain areas; Chief Echevarria said that this data is shared with the Safety Network group. Vice-Chair Lang asked about volunteers with NSU efforts. Sgt. White discussed how volunteers are found through established relationships but said that he would connect her with the Community Engagement Coordinator. CITIZEN OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE Daryl Carlson with the Alzheimer's Association discussed their work and how it could connect with the Committee and the Police Department. He discussed their help line at 1-800-272-3900 and the various training they offer such as one specifically for first responders. ADJOURNMENT – Member Lang motioned to adjourn; seconded by Member Schaidle. Meeting adjourned at 6:47PM. _____________________________ Lee Lang, Vice-Chair _____________________________ Shalandra Burch, Chair _____________________________ Eric Echevarria, member