SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The Purple Coalition is demanding change outside the municipal building. Organizers are calling for accountability from the Springfield Police Department as community members and advocates prepare to voice their concerns over alleged misconduct and racial disparities within the department.
"When asking questions, you get removed. But overt racism gets a pass. The problem isn't the people; the problem is the system," stated one community member.
Concerns were raised about the Springfield police officers' use of force and the alleged mistreatment of Black community members. Last week's city council meeting intensified these concerns for many.
"During the meeting, former police chief Michael Walden, who has been disgraced, spent his entire five minutes insulting the speakers and antagonizing audience members and their aldermen," said Ken Pacha, a member of the Purple Coalition.
Many advocates allege that former SPD Chief Michael Walton used a racial slur toward an alderman during the public comment period. Some community members believe the city is not handling this incident fairly.
"Given his history with SPD, this is troubling, to say the least. It highlights the disparities we see in expectations for police behavior versus our own. If I had engaged in that same behavior, it would have been noted immediately, and I would have been removed and received a ban letter," Pacha explained.
One resident, Roy Walton, shared that he was banned from public comment for using profane language.
"This is also a way to silence the community and prevent awareness of the activities being carried out. I never used a racial slur—my rhetorical questions were designed to address issues they did not want to answer. Because of that, I was banned," said Walton.
Others raised questions regarding police use of force, including the recent arrest of Promyss Davis. Springfield Police Chief Joe Behl stated that the officer who arrested Davis followed all training and policies and noted that more force could have been used.
"We could have teased her from the start, or used spray or a baton," Behl remarked.
Community members are now calling for apologies from the police department and changes in training, arguing that SPD has damaged public trust.
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