One local community activist worries that efforts to hear complaints are not being taken seriously.
Reverend Harvey Burnett and half dozen residents with complaints about police brutality brought their concerns to city hall today.
Burnett argues that the police department, Mayor Ardis and the States Attorney office are derelict in addressing complaints from residents about allged abuse by some police officers.
Rev. Harvey Burnett said, "When we do complete forms it seems that the forms evaporate in thin air. No action is taken, whatever action is taken they send out letters saying after investigating this we find there is no warrant for your particular claim."
Peoria Police Spokesman Doug Burgess said, "Any complaint is looked into, it's taken very seriously and we investigate every complaint we get. As far as allegations of complaints getting lost I know of no complaints that have been lost."
The group took their complaints to the city's legal department.
Each of the individuals is scheduled to meet with a city attorney to talk about their particular allegations.
Three Peoria police officers Jeremy Layman, Andrew Smith and Gerald Suelter were recently indicted for official misconduct, battery and mob action for allegedly abusing a man last May during a car chase.
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http://centralillinoisproud.com/content/fulltext/?cid=56112
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