Resolution calling for independent review of sheriff's office's hiring practices withdrawn

A resolution calling for an independent outside review of hiring practices and procedures for the Sangamon County Sheriff's Department was withdrawn at the county board's jail committee meeting Tuesday.

Meanwhile, a citiz ens' commission announced last week that will look at police practices among other things in the aftermath of the July 6 fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, was approved for initial funding of $100,000.

It will go before a full vote of the board on Sept. 10.

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Sangamon County Board member Gina Lathan, who worked on the resolution that was withdrawn, said she decided to support the Massey Commission resolution "with the expectation and understanding" that the commission would address certain points put forth in her resolution.

Those deal with more stringent hiring practices for all deputies, including a deputy merit commission that would review application materials and background check information. The background checks would include a formal Freedom of Information (FOIA) request of the personnel file to "any public body that currently or previously employed the applicant."

Lathan and another board member, Tony DelGiorno, who put forth the resolution, were drafting it while work on the Massey Commission was being done.

A Springfield Democrat, Lathan, reached Tuesday, said she wouldn't rule out resubmitting the resolution, with a request for funding, if somehow the Massey Commission fell short.

Supporters at Tuesday's jail committee meeting were hoping an independent investigation would "complement" the Massey Commission.

Some of those same supporters also believed a U.S. Department of Justice investigation could go above and beyond what the Massey Commission is setting out to do by having access to personnel files and hiring protocols of the department.

Several board members who called for the resignation of Sheriff Jack Campbell over the hiring of now former sheriff's deputy Sean P. Grayson, who has been charged with the murder of Massey.

Grayson and another deputy responded to Massey's home in the 2800 block of Hoover Avenue in the early morning hours of July 6. Massey had called 911 about a possible prowler.

Personnel records showed Grayson bounced between six different agencies in four years. Grayson was cited for two DUIs before he became a law enforcement officer and had a discharge from the U.S. Army that included "serious misconduct."

The shooting, detailed in body cam footage released to the public, gained international attention for Springfield.

Campbell, who initially said stepping down would be "irresponsible," announced on Aug. 9 that he would retire by the end of the month.

Lathan's resolution specifically stipulated that two or more DUI convictions in the prior 10 years would be "a bar to hiring."

The $100,000 earmarked for the Massey Commission included the hiring of a St. Louis communications firm.

The Massey Commission’s proposed mission is to address systemic issues in law enforcement practices, mental health responses and community relations, with the goal of creating "tangible, practical and equitable solutions for the betterment of all who call Sangamon County home."

It will be co-chaired by Jerry Kruse, dean and provost of the SIU School of Medicine; the Rev. T. Ray McJunkins , pastor of Union Baptist Church and Nina Harris, chair of the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion.

The commission will look to produce a comprehensive report outlining findings, recommendations and proposed actions within a year.

Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Resolution calling for independent review of sheriff's office's hiring practices withdrawn