SPD Assistant Chief Joe Behl speaks to Springfield's Committee of the Whole about his plans for the city police force. Springfield Committee of the Whole, May 13, 2025 (Photo cred. Stan Anders, WMAY)

Springfield Police and NAACP Sign Shared Principles Document

By Greg Halbleib Jul 23, 2025 | 7:09 PM

Springfield Police Chief Joseph Behl and NAACP Springfield Branch President Austin Randolph Jr. have formally signed a document containing 10 shared principles pledging fairness, transparency and mutual respect between police and the community.

The principles were developed by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and the Illinois Conference of the NAACP. The principles include treating all persons with dignity and respect, rejecting any form of discrimination, supporting diversity, requiring de-escalation training, and mutual responsibility by police and citizens to ensure the community’s safety.