Advisory Committee on Police-Community Relations

Advisory Committee on Police Community Relations Minutes November 20, 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, November 20, 2023, with proper notice posted. Chair Burch called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M. ROLL CALL Present: Allen, Amick, Burch, Farrell, Lang, Richardson, and Smith. Excused: Cuizon, Echevarria, Malcolm, and Schaidle. Absent: Boone, Burnside, Jackson, Lowery, Petersen, and Wilson. City Staff Present: Deeb, Kirby, and Perkins. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Councilman Allen motioned to approve the October 16, 2023, meeting minutes; seconded by Jennifer Farrell. Motion passed. MEETING Asst. City Manager (ACM) Richardson asked if members could discuss attendance at the next meeting. Councilman Allen confirmed that attendance has been an issue in the past. Chair Burch asked if the brochure subcommittee could provide an update. ACM Richardson provided a template and asked for any input. Vice-Chair Lang discussed how she thought the council member information was important to include. ACM Richardson brought up an idea of an insert to include this information since text space was limited. Vice-Chair Lang discussed including the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to start building relationships with that community; ACM Richardson pointed out that this was a due paying organization for businesses. She suggested translating the brochure into Spanish. Lt. Deeb brought up that including council member information might confuse people as to who they should contact. He suggested that the brochure should focus on the committee. Chair Burch discussed how the brochure was an opportunity to communicate who they are as a committee. ACM Richardson asked about the document that outlined who the committee was and if there was anything that should be highlighted in the brochure. Councilman Allen asked about including the meeting date and time; ACM Richardson suggested the brochure could include a QR code that would direct citizens to a webpage where this information could be included. She pointed out that the webpage could be kept up to date since the brochure is a static document. Member Wilson asked about the agenda’s citizen’s opportunity to address the committee. ACM Richardson said that all committees are required to have this as part of their agenda. They discussed how this was like city council where citizens can make a brief statement at the end of the meeting. Members agreed that they liked the layout of the brochure. Vice-Chair Lang discussed the Peoria Police Department’s Holiday with Heroes event. This private event provides Christmas activities and presents to children in need. Members agreed to cancel the December meeting and have a working meeting and volunteer with this event. Advisory Committee on Police-Community Relations Minutes November 20, 2023 - 6:00 P.M. GENERAL POLICE UPDATES Lt. Deeb discussed that year to date he has received 22 written complaints. He was currently working on backgrounds for new hires. Member Farrell asked about the current 16 recruits at the academy. Lt. Deeb stated that they would graduate in December. ACM Richardson asked if the website included an explanation of the complaint process; Lt. Deeb said that to his knowledge it wasn’t included. Councilman Allen brought up that the committee has received a document explaining the process. CHIEF BOONE SCHOOL DISTRICT UPDATE Tabled until the next meeting since Chief Boone wasn’t present. Members discussed the possibility of seeing if a representative could be sent if Chief Boone could not be present. CITIZEN OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE – none ADJOURNMENT – Meeting adjourned at 7:07 P.M.