Top law enforcement officials discuss local police response to Sonya Massey's death

BLOOMINGTON (25News Now) – The City of Bloomington's Public Safety and Public Relations Board (PSCRB) has invited police chiefs from Bloomington, Normal, Illinois State University and the McLean County Sheriff to discuss police practices from the hiring process to residency requirements.

Concerns about police hiring, training and education have emerged following the death of 36-year-old Sonya Massey at the hands of a Sangamon County sheriff's deputy in July.

Residents were encouraged to ask questions and have conversations with all four department heads to prevent situations like Massey's in central Illinois.

“Do we always do it right? We don't, and that's why we're all here today, but I know that everyone sitting at this table has only the best intentions for this community,” said Normal Police Chief Steven Petrilli.

Sean Grayson, who is accused of Massey's murder, worked at six police stations in Illinois over a four-year period, in addition to his discharge from the military and two charges of driving under the influence.

Dozens of people in the audience on Wednesday wondered if the mere fact that there is a long list of employers is a warning sign when it comes to hiring potential new employees in the community.

Police chiefs said this was not the case, but they would look closely to ensure that a potential new hire would be an asset and not a liability.

“You should also check references from previous employment, go to the area where that officer lived and talk to neighbors. People who are not always listed as references can sometimes be the best sources of information,” Petrili said.

Another concern was training. Officers are taught the Ten Common Principles, which emphasize that life is the highest value, but concerned citizens want to make sure officers are reminded of these principles more than once a year.

“[The Ten Shared Principles]”The reality is – and this is what we're trained to do – is to have ethics and integrity and to do the right thing even when no one is watching,” said McLean County Sheriff Matt Lane.

Those present expressed a desire to see the officers, once hired and trained, not only at community events but also in neighborhoods with higher crime rates.

Sheriff Lane said his officers are required to live within a 45-minute radius of the department, but people will see more officers who live in the areas they serve.

“If you live in the community, you have a vested interest because you live there; you want your own neighborhood to be safe,” said a woman from McLean County.

The Public Safety and Community Relations Board acts as a bridge between community members and the Bloomington Police Department. Individuals who file complaints against the department can appeal the outcome to the board, which will then recommend to the police department whether changes need to be made to procedures.

In 2023, 17 complaints were filed against the Bloomington Police Department and only one of them was referred to the board.

“We are here for the community, we are here for the police and we are here for the law,” said board member Surena Fish.

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