SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Department of Justice and Sangamon County reached an agreement following the discrimination investigation that was formally requested by the Massey Commission two months ago.
One notable stipulation of the agreement being the establishment of Mobile Crisis teams, made up of trained behavioral staff who are not law enforcement officers. This coming directly on the heels of the Sangamon County Board passing a resolution for a 708 Mental Health Board -- a recommendation from the Massey Commission.
Massey Commission Co-Chair JoAnn Johnson said that the Commission has always had a focus on mental health advocacy. "We can't forget that Miss. Massey was in the middle of a mental health crisis when this tragedy took place." Johnson explained. "To see this mobile crisis unit being stood up -- along with the passing of the resolution for a 708 Mental Health Board here in Sangamon County -- is very exciting for us."
States Attorney John Milheiser explained that the county is ready to move forward, but that they need to make resources available first. "If there were unlimited resources, unlimited individuals, we wouldn't maybe be having this conversation about what to do; but they're not unlimited...In talking with, the county board and the county, there are resources that we will for sure make available."
Additionally, Milheiser said they are evaluating how they will take advantage of resources the DOJ has offered. "Working with DOJ to help us identify individuals around the country that can maybe train additional people here-- maybe there's funding --but again, Sangamon County is willing to spend the money. We just have to find the individuals that can assist us."
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