The document discusses the potential for civil unrest in Peoria, IL, drawing parallels with Ferguson, MO, due to high poverty, unemployment rates, and a significant black population experiencing systemic exclusion. It emphasizes the need for a Citizens Council and Incident Review Board (CCIRB) to promote community engagement and address distrust towards law enforcement. Establishing the CCIRB is presented as beneficial for improving community relations and proactively addressing issues before they escalate.

1. CIVIL UNREST
COULD IT HAPPEN HERE?
UNEMPLOYMENT
POVERTY
EDUCATION
UNCOVERING SIMILARITIES
BETWEEN 2 CITIES
CCIRB
From: Ferguson, MO 63135 To: Peoria, IL. 61605

2. Peoria Is Fertile Ground For Unrest
Ferguson, MO. 63135
Peoria, IL 61605
Total Population est. (zip code)
21,334 16,303
% Of Black Citizens
~60.3%~
88% Black Student Ratio 64%
Poverty Rate
15.2% 38.5%
State Average
12.4% 11.1%
Unemployment Rate
12.3% 17.8% State Average
7.4% 8.6%
Black Earnings
$22,829 $14,326
National Average: $25,062

3. Remember The Abuses Of 2010?
In 2010 Our office received multiple calls of alleged abuse by PPD. Then Peoria Police Chief Settingsgaard told me, “It’s not real, you’re just stirring things up” After 8 individuals (re)filed complaints at the City Attorney’s office, the incidents of abuse decreased dramatically. The Chief’s actions display that the public can be marginalized too easily by public officials.

4. Peoria’s Powder Keg
The economic & social conditions of Peoria, IL. 61605 have converged to make it ripe for community unrest.
61605 is the zip code from which there has been much sprawl to other zip codes such as 61604 & 61603
There is an underlying atmosphere of distrust from the Black community towards police, various political offices in general.
There is a perception that the “system” of Peoria excludes the minority community & Blacks in particularly.

5. Addressing The Problem
Establish a TRUE Citizens Council & Incident Review Board (CCIRB):
1- NO individual is a Mayoral or Council appointee
2- CCIRB is directed by & open to representatives of community organizations with participation & term limits. Individuals associated with:
Churches
Neighborhood Associations
NAACP
Urban League
3- The CCIRB organizes its own leadership. Leaders cannot represent any organization that receives City or State grants or funding.
4- CCIRB meets with the police monthly to present real cases, problematic incidents, and provide recommendations on how to address and solve issues.

6. Benefits & Results
Establishing a CCIRB Is A Win, Win For The Community, City Govt. & Law Enforcement.
Some of the benefits include:
A Positive & Proactive Approach To A Looming Problem
Dialogue Management/Information Dissemination
Saves Time & Resources By Having A Single Outlet To Discuss These Issues Rather Than Multiple Outlets
Enhanced Relationships And Partnership Between The Community & Govt.