SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new agreement was announced Thursday following an investigation into race and disability discrimination in policing and dispatch services within Sangamon County.
The agreement is between the United States Justice Department and the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), the Sangamon County Central Dispatch System (SCCDS), and Sangamon County.
The investigation was sparked by the murder of Sonya Massey by Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy, during a 911 call. Grayson shot and killed Massey after she had requested help during a mental health crisis. Grayson is currently on trial for murder.
“The death of Sonya Massey was a terrible tragedy for a woman experiencing a mental health crisis, her family, and the entire Sangamon County community,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This agreement reflects Sangamon County’s commitment to instituting reform and taking action that will help improve public safety and restore trust with the community in the road ahead.”
The Sangamon County entities were investigated by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Their goal was to determine if SCSO, SCCDS, and Sangamon county provide services in a discriminatory manner. The investigation found there was not a discrimination issue. However, the county still agreed to make changes.
"We are focused on fostering trust and improving the ways we serve our community," said Sangamon County Sheriff Paula Crouch in a statement. "The DOJ review did not reveal any discriminatory practices, but we recognize that there is always room for improvement. The steps outlined in the MOA will not only enhance transparency and accountability but also strengthen our relationship with the community.”
According to the Justice Department, the Sangamon County State’s Attorney’s Office worked cooperatively with the department to reach a resolution agreement to ensure that SCSO has the tools and training to conduct its policing activities in a nondiscriminatory manner and that the County and SCCDS provide dispatch services in a nondiscriminatory manner.
The agreement will require the Sangamon County entities to review and update policies, rules, and procedures and provide training on a variety of topics, including non-discriminatory policing and interactions with individuals with behavioral health disabilities.
The agreement requires the development and implementation of a mobile crisis team program, which will include trained behavioral health staff who timely respond to individuals needing urgent behavioral health assistance. The agreement also provides for the development of a Community Engagement Plan to ensure collaborative problem-solving and nondiscrimination in policing, as well as to increase transparency and community confidence.
Data will be collected and reported for a two year period for departmental monitoring.
The agreement says the county will review any recommendations from the Massey commission and work collaboratively to incorporate their recommendations.
JoAnn Johnson, co-chair of the Massey Commission. for Sangamon County released this statement regarding the agreement.
“We are pleased that there has been swift action and we look forward to reviewing the details of the agreement. The agreement does acknowledge the work of the Massey Commission and asks the county to work collaboratively with us to incorporate our recommendations.”
According to the Justice Department, the agreement does not constitute any admission of liability by the entities, and the department has not reached a finding of discrimination.
“How Sangamon County responds to the horrific death of Sonya Massey is very important. This response is happening on many levels from the criminal prosecution of Sean Grayson to ensuring that law enforcement has the training and tools necessary to effectively respond to all types of calls," said Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser in a statement. "The agreement with DOJ will help identify resources and best practices to allow Sangamon County to provide the highest level of government services to its citizens”
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