Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Another rough week for Springfield Police Chief Joe Behl at City Council Tuesday night.
Behl gave a presentation, answering last week’s criticism of his department not meeting with the Faith Coalition For the Common Good. At issue is the alleged anti-police behavior of Coalition member and Intricate Minds founder Tiara Standage toward police during a September 2024 protest. Behl showed video of that protest, with several second unable to be aired or streamed due to language.
The Police Chief was criticized last week for the arrest of K’Shawn Rush who stands accused of beating a dog, assaulting his girlfriend, and attacking police who responded to his home. According to online court records, Rush refused to appear for his first appearance in court while being held in the Sangamon County Jail, being charged with aggravated battery to a police officer, domestic battery, and cruelty to animals. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing September 25.
Behl accused Standage of spreading an anti-police message and said he was “venomously admonished” for refusing to meet with the Coalition. Standage has said in recent comments the Police Department has tried to use her by floating a “fake diversion program with no real reform behind it; a program that would rely on my free labor to make them look good”.
Alderwoman Jennifer Notriano said after Behl’s presentation that he needed to help City Council and the community trust police, triggering a comment from Mayor Buscher that trust is a two- way street, which lead to a heated discussion. Two citizens were asked to leave after directing angry comments toward Notriano, and the Mayor had to call for order several times.
Alderman Roy Williams said he believes he’s seen movement from the Police Department and said that both sides must move forward. He added that sometimes we have to have difficult conversations and get something out of it.
Standage will be hosting a town hall at Lincoln Library September 29th, “Dismantling Police Misconduct”.
