Advisory Committee on Police-Community Relations

Advisory Committee on Police Community Relations Minutes May 11, 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, May 11, 2023, with proper notice posted. Chair Burch called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. ROLL CALL - Present: Allen, Burch, Echevarria, Farrell, Lang, Peterson, Richardson, Schaidle, Smith, and Wilson. Absent: Boone, Burnside, DeGood, Fosburgh, Jackson, King, and Talavera. Guests: Deeb and Patel. WELCOME On March 3, 2023, the Governor signed a new Disaster Proclamation extending the statewide declaration through May 11, 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 March 9, 2023, minutes; seconded by Member Schaidle. Motion carried. Member Smith motioned to approve the March 23, 2023, Townhall minutes; seconded by Member Farrell. Motion carried. MEETING Chair Burch introduced the three new members present (Jennifer Farrell, Kelly Peterson, and Sarah Smith). They each provided a brief background and why they are interested in this committee. Chair Burch reminded the group about the Open Meetings Act training. She then opened the floor for feedback regarding the Townhall meeting. Councilman Allen shared that he thought the Townhall was a good event and appreciated the information shared. Chair Burch appreciated the participation of committee members who attended. Chair Burch discussed the nomination and voting process for Chair and Vice-Chair since the terms were ending. Councilman Allen shared that those interested should be prepared to give a “why they are interested” summary and also let someone know so they can be nominated. At the next meeting, members will then vote and implement the new officers for the next year. Member Farrell asked if there was a form that explained the position responsibilities; Chair Burch said that she didn’t have one but would look into it. Chair Burch opened the floor for discussion regarding the meeting date and time. Councilman Allen shared that he has a conflict with county board meetings. Member Schaidle suggested looking at D150 schools as a location. It was proposed that the meetings be moved to the 3rd Monday at 6:00PM. Chair Burch took a vote to confirm that this time would work; all members confirmed. It was discussed whether this would have to go to Council; Councilman Allen and ACM Richardson said that they would verify. This was tentatively set to start in July once it was confirmed whether this had to go to Council. Chair Burch then opened the floor for meeting location suggestions. She stressed the importance of having a quorum if the committee decided to ask a community partner to open their location for meetings. Vice-Chair Lang suggested ART Inc. Member Schaidle suggested a D150 school again. Chief Echevarria said that there are some difficulties with a City Hall location due to security and logistics; he suggested the Urban League and that the police department would always be an option. ACM Richardson brought up that schools have a paired down session during the Advisory Committee on Police-Community Relations Minutes May 11, 2023 - 5:30 P.M. summer so a meeting there may not happen until the school year. Chief Echevarria also brought up the security of kids and how the schools may want SRO’s present since it is a public meeting. ACM Richardson offered to work with Chair Burch in coming up with options. Chief also mentioned churches as a location. GENERAL POLICE UPDATE Chief Echevarria discussed the Walk and Talks and invited the committee to attend. He also shared the latest recruitment video that highlighted female officers and how the department set up a family room. He mentioned plans for creating a social services unit. He also discussed plans to purchase 3 new vehicles including negotiator and emergency response vehicles through grant funds. He shared year to date statistics from the department’s directed patrol. Lt. Deeb shared year to date statistics which included 8 written complaints and 9 internal investigations. He also shared that he was also completing new hire backgrounds. Chair Burch asked if he had received any that went through the Advisory Committee. He said that he has only received one which was also submitted to his office and was handled. CITIZEN OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE Jeff Council, a concerned citizen, shared his initiative for officer safety regarding Scott’s Law. ACM Richardson shared the City’s Strategic Planning Kickoff event and invited members to attend. The registration is available at peoria2023.org. Member Farrell asked about the Peoria Police Memorial; Christina Kirby shared time and details of the event. ADJOURNMENT – Chair Burch motioned to adjourn; seconded by Vice-Chair Lang. Meeting adjourned at 7:00PM. _____________________________ Lee Lang, Vice-Chair _____________________________ Shalandra Burch, Chair _____________________________ Eric Echevarria, member