Residents call for transparency and reform after state report; council hears emotional public comments

Multiple residents and civic advocates used the City of Joliet council meeting on Jan. 7 to press elected officials for transparency and reform in policing after a December Attorney General report found patterns of unlawful uses of force by the Joliet Police Department.

A public commenter, speaking for Black Lives Matter of Will County, read passages from the attorney general’s nearly 200‑page review, saying the report documented unlawful force, excessive use of tasers and head strikes, insufficient intervention by officers to stop misconduct, ineffective supervisory and force-review systems, and deficiencies in crisis response for people with behavioral‑health disabilities. The commenter said the findings had led to 29 federal civil suits since 2020 and had cost taxpayers “millions of dollars.” He urged the city and police to provide “full transparency” about remedial steps, discipline and policy changes.

Other speakers described a recent arrest‑related death and urged rapid public release of investigative findings, body‑worn camera footage and a clear explanation to the family. A speaker who identified herself as a social worker urged enhanced police training and better crisis‑response protocols for incidents involving behavioral health. Community members also called for a civilian review or citizen‑oversight mechanism to ensure independent review of uses of force and disciplinary actions.

At the meeting, residents repeatedly asked why the Joliet County Mental Health Partnership (JCMHP) or other behavioral‑health resources were not used in response to some calls. They requested clearer procedures for when mental‑health professionals, rather than uniformed officers, should respond. Speakers asked the council to ensure that the city follows state statute referenced in public comments (SB 1304) requiring policies for investigating officer‑involved deaths and timely submission of reports to the state’s attorney; they said families were owed expedited, transparent investigations.

Council members acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns raised and thanked speakers for bringing them forward. The meeting record shows no formal council action on policing policy at this session; several council members indicated they wanted more information and expressed openness to dialogue with community leaders and advocacy groups about oversight and reforms. There were requests from residents for a citizen review mechanism and for the city to release any available investigative material in the event no prosecution is recommended.

Ending: Residents urged immediate transparency, independent review and improved crisis-response training. Council members asked staff to follow up; the transcript records calls by multiple speakers to open a dialogue. The council did not adopt policy changes at the Jan. 7 meeting; residents and advocates said they will continue to press for reforms and prompt release of investigative findings.