PEORIA, Ill. – Peoria’s police chief says the city’s new nuisance ordinance will not interfere with constitutional rights.
Chief Eric Echevarria released a statement on Friday to announce the implementation of the ordinance, which was passed earlier this week by the City Council.
The department says the ordinance will target “dangerous and unlawful gatherings,” such as street takeovers, armed house parties, and repeated criminal activity.
Echevarria says enforcement of the ordinance will be focused on criminal behavior, and not speech or expression. Several councilmen raised similar concerns at Tuesday’s meeting before approving the ordinance.
“Let me be clear: this ordinance will not be used to prevent peaceful protest, peaceful assembly, or any activity protected by the First Amendment. Our department fully respects the right of people to gather, speak, and demonstrate, whether organized or spontaneous. Enforcement will be focused solely on criminal behavior, not speech or expression,” Echevarria said.
Gatherings that Echevarria says will not be impacted include peaceful community events, protests, rallies, prayer vigils, neighborhood gatherings, and civic activities.
Echevarria says the police department is working on a detailed internal enforcement policy, which includes supervisor approval before any enforcement actions, and body-worn cameras for transparency.
The department is also planning community outreach events to explain the ordinance to residents.
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