Advisory Committee on Police-Community Relations

Advisory Committee on Police Community Relations Minutes July 17, 2023 – 6:00 P.M. Peoria Police Department’s Training Room (600 SW Adams St., Peoria, IL) The Advisory Committee on Police Community Relations met at the Peoria Police Department’s Training Room on Monday, July 17, 2023, with proper notice posted. Chair Burch called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. ROLL CALL - Present: Allen, Burch, Echevarria, Farrell, Lang, Richardson, Schaidle, Smith, and Wilson. Absent: Boone, Burnside, Jackson, and Petersen. Guests: Deeb, Hayes, and Patel. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Member Schaidle motioned to approve the June 8, 2023, minutes; seconded by Member Farrell. Motion carried. MEETING Chair Burch introduced Patrick Hayes, Corporation Counsel for the City of Peoria. Mr. Hayes discussed some questions that had been brought forth. He clarified that quorum by definition from the ordinance is 7 members and that all members of the committee are voting members. Less than 7 members are allowed to meet as long as no action is taken. Mr. Hayes suggested that the committee could help provide perspective into department policies. He also went over the ordinance’s attendance policy which states that if you do not attend two-thirds of the meetings within a year you are automatically off the committee. Vice-Chair Lang asked about the phrase “the committee may select a member as a chairperson” and if the word “may” should be changed to “will.” Since the committee is currently electing the chair, Mr. Hayes advised to leave the wording as is. Chair Burch gave members a copy of the ordinance and asked members to share their goals (including personal) for the committee. Member Schaidle echoed Mr. Hayes idea to look at department policies. Councilman Allen challenged members to participate in ride-alongs and the citizen’s police academy and suggested finding ways to support victims of gun violence. Chief Echevarria recommended connecting with PCAV (Peoria Community Against Violence). Vice-Chair Lang encouraged members to make the monthly meetings a priority and to get involved in community related events such as the Peoria Police Department’s Walk and Talks and Councilman Allen’s Coffee with Constituents. She shared a story where Ofc. Hodges and herself helped connect a citizen with getting a parking sign. Chief Echevarria invited the committee to set up an information table at the department’s community events. He also suggested meeting with police recruits in the Field Training Program to let them know who the committee is and what they do. Member Farrell suggested defining the committee’s goals and adhering to those tasks. Member Smith shared that she wanted to learn about police work and help create more opportunities to listen to citizens. Asst. City Manager (ACM) Richardson discussed how she would like to use her resources to help the committee tell their story. She also suggested inviting Police Department staff to explain their jobs and duties. She also suggested looking up national awareness days such as Public Safety Appreciation Week and National Gun Violence Awareness Day and thinking of ways to support those. Vice-Chair Lang discussed how she would like to have a handout that outlines what the committee is to give to perspective new members. She mentioned how there seems to be an opportunity to improve the vetting process for perspective new members. ACM Richardson suggesting adding this to the committee’s list of goals to discuss with the mayor. There was discussion on ways to support victims. Chief Echevarria advised that this information is sensitive and that legal would need to be involved. Member Smith discussed how Night Out Against Crime would be a good way of showing support. ACM Richardson suggested learning about different resources before jumping into actions. One way to do this would be to invite different city employees to speak about what they do. Advisory Committee on Police-Community Relations Minutes July 17, 2023 - 6:00 P.M. GENERAL POLICE UPDATE Due to time constraints, the police update was not discussed. CITIZEN OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE – none ADJOURNMENT – Meeting adjourned at 7:32 PM.