Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Joliet Mayor Terry D’Arcy have expressed their dedication to ensuring constitutional policing in Joliet following the release of an investigation into the city's police department. The investigation, led by Raoul's office, examined policing practices over a period of three years. Throughout this process, both the city of Joliet and the Joliet Police Department cooperated fully, providing necessary data and facilitating access to information.
In a joint statement, Raoul and D'Arcy emphasized: “Joliet residents deserve lawful and constitutional policing that is fair to all people, regardless of race or gender. We are committed to continuing the collaborative work that began when the prior Joliet city leadership, led by former Mayor Bob O’Dekirk, invited the Attorney General’s office to open an investigation, in response to concerns raised by the public.”
The investigation was initiated after public concerns arose following Eric Lurry's death in 2020 during his arrest by JPD officers. The team involved in the investigation consisted of attorneys and staff from the Public Interest Division of the Attorney General’s office. They worked alongside law enforcement experts, reviewing thousands of documents and conducting numerous interviews with various stakeholders including officers, community members, and union representatives.
“Throughout the three years of this investigation, the city of Joliet and the Joliet Police Department have fully cooperated,” said Raoul. The team also engaged in on-site visits, ride-alongs, training observations, and reviewed extensive video footage from squad cars and body cameras.
Raoul noted that while a report has been produced as a result of this work, it does not signify an end but rather marks a continuation: “That work has culminated in a report; however today’s report is not the conclusion.” He affirmed that ongoing collaboration would continue under Mayor D'Arcy's leadership to implement further changes aimed at providing high-quality police services.
Mayor D'Arcy reiterated this commitment stating: "Mayor D’Arcy and the city of Joliet in conjunction with the Attorney General’s office are committed to an ongoing collaboration."