Advisory Committee on Police-Community Relations

Advisory Committee on Police Community Relations Minutes – Special Meeting June 21, 2024 – 12:00 P.M. Peoria Police Department’s Command Post (600 SW Adams St., Peoria, IL) The Advisory Committee on Police Community Relations met at the Peoria Police Department’s Command Post on Friday, June 21, 2024, with proper notice posted. Chair Burch called the meeting to order at 12:10 P.M. ROLL CALL Present: Allen, Amick, Burch, Cuizon, Lang, and Schaidle. Excused: Echevarria, Richardson. Absent: Boone, Burnside, Jackson, Lowery, Petersen, Smith, and Wilson. City Staff Present: Deeb, Kirby, Perkins, and D. White. MEETING Chair Burch opened the floor for discussion regarding the complaint process. She mentioned the ordinance that created the committee. Member Schaidle read over the purpose of the committee and asked other members how they can put it into action. Chair Burch mentioned reviewing policies and better understanding the complaint process and the committee’s role within that process. Members discussed the importance of visibility within the community. Councilman Allen suggested the idea of setting a goal of attending a certain number (such as 6) of community events. Member Schaidle suggested that council (when appropriate) mention the committee to increase visibility. Lt. Deeb gave an overview of the internal complaint process. He recommended complaints be taken in writing from the complainant to help with accuracy. Complaints can be submitted online, over the phone or in person. He provided a couple examples to explain the process that occurs when Internal Affairs receives complaints. He discussed how they research reports, body cameras, etc. as part of the complaint investigation. He showed members an example of a complaint response letter that includes the findings and information of how to contact the committee. Member Amick asked about officer training regarding dealing with mental health. Lt. Deeb discussed the annual 40-hour training that all officers must complete. Part of this training includes de-escalation and mental health topics. Councilman Allen discussed how the committee’s purview is officer misconduct not quality of service complaints. Vice-Chair Lang asked about what to do if a citizen comes to a member with a complaint. Lt. Deeb suggested that the members direct the complainant to submit it in writing whether online or in person. Lt. Deeb clarified that the written submission is a preference to help with accuracy and not a requirement. Complaints can be received both verbally and in writing. Councilman Allen suggested that members give Internal Affairs a heads up if they directed a citizen to submit a complaint. Councilman Allen also asked about policy review. Lt. Deeb explained the department’s CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc.) accreditation and how policy review is done by administration. Councilman Allen discussed how this may be an Advisory Committee on Police-Community Relations Minutes – Special Meeting June 21, 2024 - 12:00 P.M. opportunity for members to provide input on policy. He also asked about reviewing complaint information and what type of information members would have access to. He clarified that the timeline would be if a citizen was unhappy with the findings of their complaint and contacted the committee. Attorney Perkins discussed how the committee’s complaint process draft was created under different administration and how this would need to be discussed with Chief Echevarria. Councilman Allen clarified that the committee is operating under the current draft. He also discussed creating a subcommittee of 3 members (so not to trigger OMA) that would review complaints received by the committee and how the rotation would be organized. Chair Burch also pointed out that there may be training that is required. CITIZEN OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE COMMITTEE – none ADJOURNMENT – Meeting adjourned at 1:35 P.M.