Massey Commission hosts 1st listening session Monday night

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A citizen's commission formed in response to the killing of a Springfield woman by law enforcement had its first listening session Monday night.

The Sonya Massey Commission was created to address systemic issues in law enforcement practices, mental health responses, and community relations. The commission is co-chaired by Dr. Jerry Kruse, Dean and Provost of the SIU School of Medicine; Pastor T. Ray McJunkins, pastor of Union Baptist Church; and Nina Harris, chair of the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

Sonya Massey was a 36-year-old Springfield woman who was killed in her own home by a Sangamon County Sheriff's deputy during a 911 call. The deputy, Sean Grayson, was charged with murder and has been denied pre-trial release.

Co-chairs Dr. Kruse and Pastor McJunkins welcomed over 100 community members to Union Baptist Church to share their perspectives on what they want the commission to accomplish. The co-chairs also announced that Nina Harris would no longer be serving as co-chair, as her responsibilities lay in the preparation of the Massey Commission, and she had accomplished that.

Dozens of community members seized the opportunity to express what they felt was most important for the newly-formed commission to prioritize. The overarching theme in most testimonies was the need for police reform. Citizens suggested diverting funds to partner social workers with police officers, to invest more time and energy into training for mental health intervention and de-escalation techniques, and improved and transparent hiring procedures.

Community members also felt that the commission should have a member of Sonya Massey's family on its staff. They also expressed the need for people with diverse backgrounds, as well as those who have experienced police brutality and the systemic racism that comes with it.

Co-chairs Dr. Kruse and Pastor McJunkins said they expect to announce the full slate for the commission later this week. They also said they would name a new co-chair shortly.

The Sangamon County Board is scheduled to meet Wednesday, September 18th at to review a resolution to officially establish the Massey Commission and allocate $175,00 to the commission.