A panel of city officials and activists answered questions from community members on Monday evening on the topic of police brutality and racial violence. Springfield Police Commander Brandon Golden assured residents that the while not perfect, SPD had the community’s best interests at heart.
Panelists were broadly divided on solutions to address the issue of excessive force. Neither Sheriff Crouch nor Commander Golden confirmed that their respective departments would fully adopt the reform recommendations of the Massey Commission, but they promised to keep in contact with the Commission.
Community members urged increased public access to police disciplinary action records in order to prevent similar circumstances to former Sangamon Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson’s hiring. Ward 2 Alderman Shawn Gregory urged community members to document and report issues involving city officers in order to ensure accountability.
