The Springfield City Council on Tuesday night approved a contract with University of Illinois Springfield to develop a community-staffed advisory body for the Springfield Police Department.
UIS will be paid $54,592 in order to research and then implement the group tasked with helping guide engagement between police and the community.
Police Chief Joe Behl said the department collaborated with several community groups to develop the proposal.
An amendment introduced by Ward 2 Alderman Shawn Gregory requires the group consist of residents of the city’s most heavily policed regions, which as of now include areas of Wards 2 and 5.
