The tragic death of Sonya Massey, a Black woman experiencing a mental health crisis, has led to a Justice Department investigation into race and disability discrimination in policing and dispatch services in Sangamon County, Illinois.
The investigation, launched based on complaints and reports, found that the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), Sangamon County Central Dispatch System (SCCDS), and Sangamon County were in non-compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the nondiscrimination provisions of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke stated, “The death of Sonya Massey was a terrible tragedy for a woman experiencing a mental health crisis, her family, and the entire Sangamon County community. This agreement reflects Sangamon County’s commitment to instituting reform and taking action that will help improve public safety and restore trust with the community in the road ahead.”
In response to the investigation, Sangamon County and the Sheriff’s Office have agreed to implement reforms, including reviewing and updating policies and procedures, providing training on non-discriminatory policing and interactions with individuals with behavioral health disabilities, and developing a mobile crisis team program.
The agreement also requires the development of a Community Engagement Plan to ensure collaborative problem-solving and nondiscrimination in policing, as well as to increase transparency and community confidence. The agreement sets forth a framework for data collection and reporting for a two-year period of departmental monitoring.
The agreement does not constitute any admission of liability by the entities, and the Justice Department has not reached a finding of discrimination.
Nondiscrimination under Title VI, the Safe Streets Act, and the ADA is a top priority of the Civil Rights Division.
Defendant: Sangamon County, Illinois, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), and Sangamon County Central Dispatch System (SCCDS)
Criminal Charges: Race and disability discrimination in policing and dispatch services
City and State: Springfield, Illinois
Exact Date: Ongoing investigation
Sentence or Outcome: Agreement to implement reforms and monitor progress
Dollar Amounts: None
Category: Public Corruption
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Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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