Massey Commission requests investigation of Sheriff's Department hiring procedures

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Massey Commission met Monday night to discuss the future of the group , and make their first rulings towards change.

Co-Chair Doctor Jerry Kruse said the Massey Commission will function independently from the Sangamon County Board. "The Commission is committed to leading a process for the community to listen, to learn — and more importantly — to act." said Kruse.

The Committee discussed the Draft of their mission statement, choosing to make edits and vote on the final version at a later date.

"To engage the people of Sangamon County on issues of equitable access to services by addressing systemic racism and community mistrust in the pattern and practice of law enforcement and other helping professions."

Commissioners also discussed the draft of their values as an organization. They will make edits and vote on the final version at a later date.

Community: The Commission is committed to hearing all voices, through active listening, through active pursuit of often-unheard voices through engagement with the community.
Transparency: The Commission is committed to transparent processes, activities and reporting that is open to the public for scrutiny and comment.
Equity: The Commission is committed to uncovering inequities in its analyses of policies, programs by evaluating structural racism and other biases.
Accountability: The Commission is committed to making recommendations that will assist citizens and organizations in improving structural accountability for public safety, well-being and trust.

The Massey Commission passed a vote that officially established their Work Groups, which will meet at least once a month. Work Groups will have a structure that allows them to form policy recommendations to the full committee.

Integrated Mental Health Services and Emergency Response
Community Education on Health, Wellness and Safety
Economic Disparities and Service Accessibility
Law Enforcement Hiring, Training, Wellness and Cultural Competency

Sangamon County Board Members Gina Lathan and Anthony DelGiorno presented their presented their proposed resolution that was shot down by the County Board in early October. ”We have to — as a community — finally grapple with the training and what goes on in the 'old boys club' to just sweep things under the rug." said DelGiorno.

Commissioners passed a vote to send a formal request for review of Sangamon County Sheriff's Department's hiring procedures to the Department of Justice, Attorney General, and Illinois state Police.

The next full commission meeting with be November 18th from 6 p.m. to 10p.m. Dr. Kruse said the Massey Commission website will go live later this week.