SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - Since July 6, 2024, the morning Sonya Massey was shot and killed in her home by former Sangamon County Sheriff's Deputy Sean Grayson, many changes have come to Sangamon County and the state as a whole.
Grayson was fired and arrested for murder 12 days later. Then, facing public pressure to resign, Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell announced an early retirement in August 2024.
Last November, the Department of Justice launched an investigation into the county's policing and dispatch practices involving race and disabilities.
Under new Sheriff Paula Crouch, the county and DOJ agreed to a review and update of department policies, including use-of-force and de-escalation.
In September 2024, the Massey Commission was established to give the county actionable steps to improve its relationship with the community.
In the time that followed, the group established a mental health board that was approved by county voters and Senate Bill 1953 was passed into law as the 'Sonya Massey Law,' which requires law enforcement agencies throughout the state to have stricter hiring practices and ensure all past employee's records are reviewed before hiring.
In the commission's final act this week, it offered 26 calls to action, including expanding crisis responder qualifications and creating countywide standards for anti-racism, de-escalation, and crisis intervention training.
You can read our live blog of Sean Grayson's murder trial here.
More Coverage:
Grayson found guilty of second-degree murder of Sonya Massey
Pritzker signs bill requiring stricter police hiring practices in honor of Sonya Massey
Ferguson Commission share lessons, stories with Sonya Massey Commission
Attorneys for Sean Grayson drop cease and desist against Massey Commission
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