DOJ and Illinois sheriff's office reach agreement on policing reforms after Sonya Massey shooting

The U.S. Justice Department and Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office have reached an agreement following the shooting death of Sonya Massey, an unarmed Black woman, last summer. The deal includes commitments to improve policing practices and training. Federal officials found no discriminatory practices in the incident. However, the county will implement new training for deputies and dispatchers, focusing on nondiscriminatory policing and mental health crisis responses. The agreement also requires better data collection on use-of-force incidents, especially involving people with disabilities. Local officials will review policies and expand community forums for public input.