Springfield Police Chief Asks for Evaluation of Department

Springfield Police Chief John Harris has asked the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) to evaluate his department's practices in a request that surprised most of the staff, according to the State Journal-Register. Jimmy Wilson, vice president of NOBLE, was in Springfield Tuesday to meet city leaders and community members, get acquainted with the department and learn more about its organization and structure. Wilson told the newspaper he expects "to be back with a team later to conduct a review of the department, its delivery of services, the capability of the department and its internal and external relationships." Twelve of Springfield's black police officers have formed an organization and allege that the department participates in racist hiring practices, and attempts to keep officers there from moving up in the department. Police Chief Harris says he hopes to have NOBLE back in the city quickly to complete the evaluation.