CCIRB A TRUE Citizens Committee To Address Peoria's Community Policing Issues

The events in Ferguson, MO. is becoming a measuring-stick of many communities.  Those who do not take measure or do not examine themselves in light of these events are simply missing the boat and I believe setting the stage for unrest in their own communities.

The following is a brief examination of the similarities between Ferguson MO. and 1 zip code similarly situated to Ferguson. We believe that a TRUE Citizen's review Board calling on multiple community members and partners to address the issues, is the way to both prepare for and address all things. When examining the numbers on Pg. 2, one cannot understate the significant and terrible similarities between Ferguson and Peoria:

We were intrigued to read a recent article in the Peoria Journal Star  outlining  an "advisory committee on police-community relations". While the effort to sound as if Peoria is doing much work on patching police/community relationships sounds good, there is little as it pertains to the bite of the program because of the apparent conflicts of interests, limited scope of inclusion and selective issues that the committee addresses.

One could ask, what issues has this so called "committee" addressed? How has this committee "advised" the police? Did it "advise former Peoria Police Chief Settingsgaard to drop its "broken windows" community policing strategy? Has it undertaken to address the multiple complaints of police overreach since the City adopted the "Don't Shoot" strategy to combat gangs and gang activity? Then, why would the citizens, especially them in highly affected areas, not know the benefits and objectives of such a committee and be encouraged to be involved in addressing issues that affect us all?

These are questions not easily answered, but neither are they being asked, and especially not by this committee. But let us examine this further...

In 2009, our office received multiple complaints about the interaction of Peoria police with its citizenry. There were over 8 Black men that contacted our office who had highly negative experiences with the police in which they felt that their rights and civil liberties were violated. Although the police claimed that they had not initially received complaints of these gentlemen, I was told that their complaints weren't "real" and that I (Pastor Burnett) was just "stirring things up" by the former police Chief Settingsgaard.

When  we filed the multiple complaints, the former Chief found out that they were "real". Each complaint was addressed and every person leveling a complaint was answered satisfactorily. Whether the end result was desirable or not for each individual, the men were glad to see that at least their issues were taken seriously.

It is that flippant attitude toward citizens of low estate and especially Black citizens, that the CCIRB is designed to address. Though every complaint may not have merit, every complaint should be heard and taken seriously. In addition, more than Black citizens are affected by these sort of events and occurrences. Community policing is an issue for EVERY man, woman and child of this city. We should ask, what can we expect when we are stopped? Is it simply street justice, or can we expect to be handled professionally and with integrity? In addition, we should ask, what type of persons are on our force? What is the temperament of officers, and what tests have been administered to gauge that so that officer rotations can be made in a corresponding manner? 

While I believe that a city should reflect the makeup of it's citizenry, it is a DEAD issue to assume that adding Black officers, or officers of diverse races solves or even addresses the problem with Peoria policing. We advised Settingsgaard to drop the "broken windows" community policing strategy. We have no idea whether that policy continues to exist in Peoria, but we do know this:

Currently there are a series of complaints dealing with the overreach of Peoria Police in the implementation of its "Don't Shoot" tactic to target gang members. The complaints that we have received are not from the criminals and gang-members themselves, but from non-criminal family members in how the program is being administrated. There are some serious issues that could lead to more intense and negative relationships on the streets. That coupled with the low economic environment of certain segments of our community creates a "powder-keg" environment that the so called "advisory committee" will not touch and or address. I believe that failure to address such serious issues is due to conflicts of interest and desire to cater to politics and political issues.  

We will not be so deceived and or entangled. implement a TRUE plan that INCLUDES All citizens of Peoria and asks the tough questions and formulates real and right now strategies that uplift the community. The CCIRB is a true Citizens sponsored plan that includes everyone that has interest in insuring that our community does not suffer unrest and that issues are addressed in a forthright manner. 

Additional info to come.

Pastor H. Burnett  

"Don't Shoot" Peoria's New Anti-Gun Violence Initiative

Recently Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis announced that a new anti-gun violence initiative will be centered around a concept found within the book, "Don't Shoot" by David M. Kennedy who was instrumental in what has been called "The Boston Miracle" which significantly lowered street level homicides in the Boston area in 1996.

Here is a recent NPR interview with Mr. Kennedy:

The program is similar to the Drug Market Intervention (DMI) program which Peoria adopted in 2009-2010. The DMI was conducted in a 8 block radius on Peoria's South Side. The DMI involved an undercover sweep of those who sold drugs. The nonviolent offenders were given a second chance at life, told that their record would be purged if they didn't re offend but that they would be in double trouble if they continued to be part of the problem. 

There were a host of persons taken off the streets who went to jail to serve time because their records and criminal history did not qualify for the second chance. 9 persons were extended a second chance. 7 of them remained non-offenders with many of them going on to complete their education or undertaking gainful employment.

During the time the DMI zone experienced a marked lower rate of drug sales activity and violent crime. While the same activities in other areas, even adjacent to the DMI zone, was generally higher. Within the DMI zone there was greater neighborhood involvement and the DMI zone community rallied around the idea of a better and more safe neighborhood.

As you will note this strategy contrasts to "Broken Windows". up until this point "Broken Windows" was a strategy adopted under Peoria Police Chief Settingsgaard. We have been passionately against the broken windows strategy claiming that it has actually contributed to the rebellion and does not lead to community stability.

This particular approach appears to be one which involves the community and creates layers of accountability which we believe is a much better approach to create and facilitate sustainable change and improvement within the community.

Moving Forward, Problems To Be Avoided:

1- Lack Of Preparation For The Necessary Community Elements

Community involvement was always a part of the DMI effort, but these things were not set in place until after the DMI sweep and until almost 6 months after it was determined that there would be no additional drug sweeps in the same area.

This was a problem. There was no plan for the community element and a plan had to be developed on the fly and volunteers such as myself and neighborhood association leaders such as LaVetta Ricca were expected to expand upon their already busy schedules to implement what would become yet another neighborhood association. 

Eventually the community meetings would fade out due to lack of participation, no funding and no staff to carry out community tasks and duties.    

2- Funding For More Persons Than Grant Recipients If Available

In the DMI effort, there was a certain amount of dollars and jobs that were created for persons who would help facilitate the program. All community assets, were brought to contribute without any funding for their participation. We were simply volunteers with no financial support. This quite naturally lead to the next problem: 

3- Sustainability

Because there was a lack of funding and low preparation for the community assets and involvement, the neighborhood portion of the DMI slacked off.  Frankly speaking, when the DMI grant dried up, many of the agencies and persons associated with the effort could no longer participate. Some could and would continue because this project was within their job already, but others could not.  

My question is can we avoid these problems in a new effort geared toward eliminating gun violence and reducing gang offences?

Speaking as the former DMI Community Leader and one who has experienced the problems encountered first hand, a sustainable and funded program is what is necessary in order to address this problem. Within Peoria, violence is only a problem when it occurs. Community leaders and assets should be involved, but if there is funding from grants, community participation and participants should be made receipients of funds as well.

Here's is another key to solving the problem of crime and violence within Peoria that officials have not considered as well as they should in my opinion.

A Recidivism Plan

In my next post, I'll deal with the exposure of a City recidivism plan that I personally proposed to Peoria Police Chief Settingsgaard in 2008-2009 which was met with disregard.

In 2012, we need everyone involved to step up to make this a better community and to address the issues that we face. 

Pastor Harvey Burnett
Exec. Director    

The Peoria Church & Crime And Violence

In this segment  I wanted to break from the normal routine and do a little biblical exposition as it pertains to the mission of the church in modern times. In part, this is due to the response and grumbling that we have heard from many in the ministerial community as individuals, including myself, have promoted and questioned various ministers as to why they have been absentee or non-existent in the current fight against crime and violence within the Peoria community.

Clarification: I first want to affirm that the church is NOT in and of itself, a "crime fighting" organization, neither should it be. However, I believe it is clear that the church should be an extension of the love of God through Christ in the world and an organization which facilitates the peace of God within the community. It's from this perspective that we examine the church's intervention into these issues.

Let's rehash this: According to the Emerge Blog to date there have been over 84 shootings, 17 murders, and a borderline state of martial law imposed upon the citizens of South Peoria.  There is additional police intervention and sweep patrols designed to nab the perpetrators and potential perpetrators of crime and violence. I addressed this both HERE and in a Peoria Journal Star Article and we must be careful about how we proceed. There is, rightfully so, a curfew upon the youth that is being strictly enforced and at least one councilman that even thinks that the adult citizens should have all their constitutional rights taken away and be restricted to their homes after certain hours for their own safety. The problem is that some of the shootings have been at people in or around their homes and houses also, so staying at home doesn't guarantee safety by any means.

The Pastoral Community

In all of this the pastoral community has been asked to engage these issues. Mrs. Monique Caradine of Chicago's WVON has undertaken the same issue through her radio broadcast with many of the same results that we have experienced here in Peoria.

To add context, I have personally made calls, sent letters, appeared on TV asking and promoting events and all. Unfortunately, by large, the pastoral community has simply reverted to a position and condition of "blessed quietness". However, some of them haven't been exactly silent. They have spoken in at least two ways:

1- Through inaction (as I have pointed out)

2- Directly saying that they have no responsibility beyond what they currently do

First, neither of these positions are acceptable. In fact they are ridiculous and only expose a greater problems many of which are beyond the scope of this writing.

Now, this post will undoubtedly offend some who say they are my friends and challenge those who are to continue in the mission of Christ. If it does those things then the post has accomplished it's mission. We need friends who are convicted of the mission of Christ, dedicated to the service of community and humanity and know that the cause of families and those that are hurting are of essential and primary concern. If one must separate themselves because of the mission of Christ, well then...SO BE IT! The scripture outlines that we can't walk together unless we agree. (Amos 3:3)

Here's The Command:

Matthew 28:19-20 ~ "19- Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20-Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen."

Inaction has been a silent facilitator of the current problems that we experience and face within the community. Last year, 2009, I asked pastors and ministers to come together to devise an action plan against crime and violence. We had a meeting in which roughly 30 ministries attended. A second meeting was held and it was down to 3 ministries. A third couldn't be held due to lack of attendance. Now over 30 murders later, we are wondering why things are like they are.

Roll Call

Let me tell you, without being specific, (although I could) who has never stopped to dawn the door of the frequent calls made to the pastoral community by our organization over the last 3 years. With limited exception many of the following organizational churches have failed to unify to show any cause during this recent episode of violence and murder within the black community:

1- With limited exception, the prominent black Baptist churches in the inner city Peoria have not engaged this epidemic in any known public format that I have witnessed.

2- With limited exception, the Apostolic Assemblies or Jesus Only churches in the inner city Peoria have not engaged this epidemic in any known public format that I have witnessed.

3- With limited exception the Assemblies Of God churches have not engaged this epidemic in any known public format that I have witnessed

4- With the exception of 3 churches the remaining 6 or 7 Church Of God In Christ churches in inner city Peoria have not engaged this epidemic in any known public format that I have witnessed. 

5- With the exception of one church, the Methodists, AME or United Methodist, in inner city Peoria have not engaged this epidemic in any known public format that I have witnessed.

6- The Presbyterian church has not engaged this epidemic in any known public format that I have witnessed.

7- The Catholic church has not engaged this epidemic in any known public format that I have witnessed.

8- The Lutheran church has not engaged this epidemic in any known public format that I have witnessed

The list goes on and on. Although churches can be pointed to in general, the lack of response from the churches from within the affected areas are the focus of this writing and the lack of response from them has been astounding.  

Blessed Help

Para-ministries such as Teen Challenge and the ELITE programs of Carl Cannon and few others have been the ones engaged and physically present during this battle against crime and violence. The Peoria County States Attorney's office and the Peoria Police Department has stepped up to provide what seems like a true partnership with the community. There are individuals even within many of the absentee churches who support and encourage efforts and make themselves available. That is a good thing. However, but we must make a transition and challenge leaders and leading organizations who have had their hands off the particular issues to come front and center and engage the issues. There are some, and I could name them specifically, who have never responded to calls, emails, public notices and requests and who have not approached this matter with any sense of urgency. This is to their shame.  

The criticism:

In response to my encouragements and challenges, a pastor recently said that, his mission was in the pulpit and that he didn't have to go to the streets to minister. In other words, what happens in the streets doesn't affect the church.

Houston (or should I say Peoria?)...We have a problem!

You mean to tell me that the city is on fire and all the pastor can think about is pulpit ministry?  (ie: the confines of safety and a safe environment and collecting a tithe) This is a perversion of the word of God and the mission of Christ. Those that support this sort of sentiment either financially or by physical presence only lend themselves to the problem and not the solution.

We have heard this same shoddy sentiment before, speaking that "the people" (members of the congregation) "are the sheep, and sheep beget sheep"...In other words, the pastor has no or little obligation in church growth or proliferation of the ministry. According to them, that's the "sheep's" job...

That sentiment isn't biblical. In fact as I stated, it's seduction and an effort to justify laziness. Now, please understand, my criticism is not against inaction so much, as some may not know what to do or may not be able to do what others can do. My sentiments are against excuses and using the scriptures to justify disunity, ungodliness and a complete seduction of the mind.

I'll point out three biblically centered reasons why the church should be actively engaged in this effort. There are many more, but I'll simply point to three:

1- The Leadership Of Moses

In Exodus 3 and 4, when God called Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt, he called him to LEAD, not follow. There were three things visible as God led HIS people to freedom:

1- God, as a pillar of fire and smoke by night and a cloud by day (Ex. 13:21)

2- Moses, as he followed the Lord (Ex. 3:10)

3- The people as they followed God under Moses direction and course (Ex. 14:31)

The LEADER led the people into the freedom and deliverance of the Lord as HE (God) led and directed. The leader encouraged the people and protected them with the petition that he made to God on their behalf. How can the leader (pastor) do this when he is not engaged within the community or with the people?

2- The Apostleship Of Paul

After his conversion, the Apostle Paul had 3 missionary journeys and a journey under guard to Rome in which he preached continuously. He traveled either by foot, horse or by boat. No Caddy's, Mercedes, Lexus's or BMW's. 

• 
  
  Paul's first missionary journey covered approximately 1,200 (plus) miles and took about 2 years.
• 
  
  Paul's second missionary journey covered approximately 2,700 (plus) miles (1,290 by sea and 1,410 by land) and took about 2.5 to 3 years.
• 
  
  Paul's third missionary journey covered approximately 2,500 (plus) miles (1,190 by sea and 1,325 by land) and took about 4 years.
• 
  
  Paul's journey to Rome covered approximately 2,130 (plus) miles (1,920 by sea and 220 by land) and took about 2.5 years.

In all, we have one man (with ministerial companions), who traveled over 8,530 miles in about 11 years to "finish his course", preach to the poor, and minister to those in distress, converting and helping men wherever he could find them. The modern preacher seems to be enamoured with a building, pulpit, microphone and church salary. I have done this for almost 30 years and have seen many come and go with those ideas and sentiments. One thing that seems to be forgotten is the mission to take the gospel to the world and facilitate change within the community.

I would ask that preacher, that delivered that "word of wisdom", what happens when the pulpit is closed or the church is gone? Does all of the calling of God go away because there is no church building or pulpit from which to preach? I begin to wonder was that preacher or minister ever called of God to begin with? Does he have any conviction at all? 

Obviously this pastor/minister has no clue as to the real mission of Christ. As much as I would like to believe otherwise, it would seem that his sentiments are in good company among his peers which value excuses, lethargy and inaction.  

3- The Mission Of Christ Within The Community & Church

A third reason that the church must be engaged is because of the Kingdom purpose of God within the community. The church was called to spread the "good news". The community wasn't to be lent to terrorism and ungodliness in light of the presence of Christ Kingdom's representative's and their promotion and expansion of the mission of Christ in the earth. Jesus said it like this:

Matthew 5:9 ~ "Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."

For sure, violence and murder isn't peace. The church was supposed to be the entity bringing peace into the community and was supposed to be actively involved in facilitating that peace. When leaders don't lead the church down this path, the church becomes inactive and deftly silent as it is in Peoria.

Now we must reconcile that the church is not asleep. When Peoria mayor Jim Ardis called the church to a community prayer effort, almost every church in Peoria (with some exception) was in attendance looking for how they could be involved and engaged. That was good, but this wasn't a KINGDOM call, it was a Mayoral call asking the church to do what it was already engaged in doing. The difference is that when political figures are involved there is a certain level of acknowledgement by the political and social elite. 

Conclusion:

As you can see, this is thought provoking and I know I haven't won any "haters" and have probably gained a handful of "Christian critics". I would say, however, that those critics were probably critical anyway and more than likely haven't contributed to the solution of the problems that we face.  

A member of my church (New Bethel COGIC) was around another particular pastor when my name came up in a conversation for some reason. The pastor jumped right in to say, "Pastor Burnett talks too much!" If this is a stigma, and if because of that stigma, someone gets angry enough to lose the laziness that has defined them and their efforts during this critical period of Peoria's history, then this post has been more than worth it and has hit the spot right where it should be hit. I am glad to talk too much if someone does more than what they've been doing or if someone is helped as a result. Thanks for the astute observation Pastor _ _ _ _ _. (BTW: I haven't heard or seen anything from him either during this crisis)  

Is the church committing the greatest crime by not being actively engaged in this fight? I don't want to say that they are, but that question should be considered and addressed.

What Can You Do?

1- Talk to your pastor and ask him/her what their community plan against crime and violence is. If they have none ask them to associate themselves with me/us who have a plan and who are actively engaged. We can use their help and support.

2- Encourage other members within your church to become actively involved in these issues and supporting causes and events that arise within the community that facilitate a better community.

3- Join our Facebook page and subscribe to this web page for new and updated information.  

4- If neither your church or pastor is responsive, call (309)688-6599 or email me at Dunamis1@netzero.com for a church referral or for an invitation. DO NOT subject your time and energy to anything or anyone that will only serve itself. The Peoria community needs your help and we can do this together with the Lord and one another.

5- Contribute to the cause. I have not solicited nor received a dime outside of the gun exchange for any of the services that this organization renders. In order to do what must be done however, we need cash to help proliferate the message. Please feel free to send a contribution in any amount to the Peoria Assn. Of Pastors at P.O. Box 6167 Peoria, IL 61601. I commit that every dime will be spent to provide some service or outreach to this community and to spread the anti-crime and violence message.

As an organization, we are far from from being alone in this fight. however we need the churches and leaders than can stand along with us in partnership and effort to do so. We can help change this community and in the process further the mission of Christ. Thank you.

Pastor H. Burnett

Exec. Director/Founder 

Community Service~YES! Concealed Carry-NO!

In recent times Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis has openly spoken that he believed "concealed carry" would be a desirable and viable option to help make the Peoria community a better and safer one. he has further stated that he would like to see the Peoria community become a "test area" for the concealed carry concept as legislators in Springfield review and debate the issue.

Although we acknowledge the difficulties with crime due to the seeming moral decline that our nation in general has experienced, we also believe that the only way to fix and appropriately address the problem, as has been proven in Peoria, is through ego effacing governmental collaboration with the community and consistent support to groups who are engaged in effective community service.

This Issue Is Not To Be Confused With The Constitutional Right To Bear Arms

Concealed carry should not be confused with the rights of citizens to bear arms, however, we do not believe under any interpretation of the Constitution that there is a citizens right to vigilantism or the execution of justice outside of the rule of law. Placing weapons in the hands of the citizens with the express purpose of deterring crime is nothing short of posturing (which may get someone killed) and encouragement of the citizens to use subjective interpretations of events or threats in public which may result in even greater tragedies and loss of life.

Using One Statistic For Example:

The Murder Rate for example: According to Peoria Police Department Statistics, the murder rate in 2006 was 17. The murder rate in 2007 was 16. In June of 2007 the Peoria Association Of Pastors For Community & Spiritual Renewal sponsored a community rally and prayer event, asking God for intervention and calling individuals and organizations to higher levels of community service. Shortly thereafter we also sponsored the first gun exchange event addressing the issue of crime and illegal gun use. Before the June event and rally, there were 12 murders in Peoria. From that time until June of 2009 there have only been 15 total murders in the city. In other words, the murder rate over the last 2 years since June 2007 has been LESS than the murder rate that was experienced in both 2006 and 2007.

What Do These Simple Facts Say?

During this same period of time that the murder rate was decreasing and crime was low, there was a notable amount of community service that was taking place not only through our organization but through other grass roots organizations in the city. There was community engagement from the Police and City to organizations that wanted change and were willing to stand for change. The numbers reflect, except for certain statistics in 2009, that community engagement worked and deterred crime in greater percentages than "concealed carry" does anywhere that "concealed carry" is currently allowed.

Forms Of Community Engagement

Over the last 2 year period, community engagement has taken place in the form of prayer, assistance within the Peoria Public Schools, the development of ELITE under Mr. Carl Cannon and other events that placed people in front of other people asking them to become involved in the concerns of others and holding everyone to higher standards of accountability. Results have been achieved without asking any individuals to carry guns, or weapons of any kind, and without asking individuals to take the posture outside of the rule of law in the mode of self-defense. Because we know there is a more effective way to address the issues that Peoria must address we view concealed carry as simply an unnecessary and sensational "wild-west" citizen's policing initiative that will only make things worse for all citizens and especially for the least among us.

And What Of Our Top Cops?

What is especially surprising is that the top law enforcement officials in Peoria and Peoria County, Peoria Police Chief Settingsgaard and Peoria County Sheriff McCoy, are also in favor of concealed carry under the guise that criminals knowing that others have guns will be deterred from committing crime. I would address this issue by saying that it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that a criminal very seldom acts rationally and knowing that they they will be caught is usually a risk that the serious offender is willing to take in effort to get what he/she wants.

In fact, it is reported by the Peoria Police Department Statistics that the repeat offender commits crime at greater rates than the new offender (someone who commits crime for the first time or who hasn't previously been caught) Example: In 2008, there were 1,985 new offenders entering the system, while there were 7,408 repeat offenders that got caught AGAIN for committing a crime. Knowing these statistics, that criminals who've been caught are NOT afraid to be caught again, we are at serious odds with Police leaders who suggest that the only way to deal with community crime is to "quasi-deputize" its citizens and symbolically pour gasoline on top of an already burning fire. In addition to this, the fine officers that worked with our association during the Peoria Gun Exchange, expressed the difficulty of engaging the community when concealed weapons are involved.

Why does our City Government and Police force not recognize and support the goal of reducing crime by dealing more effectively with known criminals and by assisting and promoting decreased recidivism rates? Why, are the citizens asked to respond to predictable problems that the City is not effectively addressing? The suggestions from our law enforcement officials promotes is antiquated and creates an environment of contention that Peoria does not need to see in the 21st Century.

What Has Been Said

It has been said that Peoria has a Cease Fire "look-alike" program, but where is it at and what has it done? The cease Fire program was designed originally to deal with youth crime and violence and work in conjunction with the city and community groups in addressing and solving issues of crime. We know that a program was ceded to the Community Action Agency, but where is it now, and what is it doing? The City has seemingly casually waived its hand at the distress of the citizens posturing but delivering no results.

The true results by numbers have come from organizations and individuals that have labored to address issues of crime, liquor and drug proliferation, which is a background for many of the problems we experience, and facilitators to the decline of social and moral values that we all witness within the community. Thank God For the ELITE youth. Heritage Days was assisted and made a peaceful event AGAIN not by guns or "concealed carry "but by community workers and people willing to engage the problems head on.

Conclusion:

We find no justification for concealed carry in the least bit in Peoria. We do find however that there is much room for the City, and law enforcement, to engage with the citizenry of Peoria in establishing lasting bonds of community involvement and open dialogue and ACTIONS pursuant to requests. We also clearly see the need for organizations and people to be actively involved in bringing and supporting change. Involvement and concern has been proven to be the best thing that the community can do to deal with crime in the area. Concealed carry is an inhibitor to peace for ALL individuals within the community.

I guess in the Mayor has his way, the new saying in attracting events and businesses to the community will be "Peoria City Beautiful, BYOG (Bring Your Own Gun !). God forbid!

Pastor Harvey Burnett ~ Exec. Director

Gun Exchange Success & Looking Forward

The Peoria Gun Exchange has set a new community record for the collection of guns and other weapons. During the final exchange of the year held on Saturday Nov. 3rd the Peoria Assn. Of Pastors collected 69 weapons and issued 15 IOU’s for gift certificates.

This brings the 2007 totals to approximately 123 weapons. In addition, the Assn. has been responsible for distributing over $8,500 in gift cards and certificates. This figure not only represents a benefit to the participants of the exchange but also a benefit to the entire community.

What we discovered during the exchange:

There were a number of things uncovered during the exchange that neither the Pastors, police or the community expected.

• First, the Pastors were of service to the elderly in the community by helping to make their homes safer and relieve them from what many of them viewed as potentially dangerous weapons and situations.
  
• Secondly, we were of service to families with small children. Once again it was discovered that many mothers and fathers were anxious to make their environments safer by turning in unwanted weapons. We were unable to determine how many individuals made their environments safer by checking the security of the weapons in their homes, but we received many favorable commentaries from individuals who did so.
  
• Finally, many individuals just needed a little encouragement both spiritually, mentally and physically. The combination of prayer and a monetary gift in exchange for a weapon was an unbeatable combination.
  

As compared to other communities:

The Peoria Gun Exchange was intended to minister to individuals spiritually and was limited in focus. Our emphasis was on handguns and the potential problems that handguns pose to the community. The Springfield and Chicago Illinois gun exchanges were dynamic and yielded more sheer numbers but their efforts were not as targeted. We turned away many individuals with long guns and other types of weapons that were not in our target.

Notwithstanding, we are very excited about how the City Council and Mayor’s office in both Chicago and Springfield got behind their exchange efforts. The Springfield, IL. Mayor led their effort and the City contributed $15,000 without reluctance. Chicago contributed a highly significant amount of money toward theirs. In slight contrast, the City of Peoria gave $2,500 toward the Peoria effort. In all fairness, various council members gave personally toward the effort. In all, we are thankful for EVERYONE that contributed, great or small, in whatever amount they were able to.

To The Critic

First of all, crime didn’t rise in anticipation of either of our events and the weapons we took in were functional.
In addition, we simply suggest that an ounce of prevention is certainly worth a pound of cure. Our investment to curb violence may save countless lives, to which there is no dollar amount for replacement. So far as using tax dollars to fund this sort of program, the current estimate is that it takes over $30,000 annually to house a prisoner in the Illinois prison system. THESE ARE TAX DOLLARS spent at a much greater amount than either community invested in their programs. If one person is kept out of prison for 5 years, the program has more than paid for itself.

Looking Forward

We are looking forward to the 2008 Peoria Gun Exchange. Although we are developing changes in the program and the event dates, we are actively seeking sponsors and community involvement. Next years event will probably feature a debit/credit gift card as opposed to an individuals retailers card so that participants can spend money at the retailer of their choice.

Individuals and businesses wishing to be a part of this ongoing effort to bring peace and harmony to the community can contribute to the Pastors Assn. in the following manner:

Mail Contributions any amount to:

• New Bethel/Pastors Assn.
  PO Box 6167
  Peoria, IL. 61601-6167
• Memo: Gun Exchange

All contributions will be acknowledged by charitable receipt.

Student Tickets- The Focus Of The City

As the Pastor’s Assn. moves forward there are many areas of concern that we share. One such concern is for the Children that have been ticketed for J-walking at both Manual and Woodruff High Schools. Although we share many of the sentiments of the NAACP and the Dr. King King Holiday Cmte., we share those sentiments for vastly different reasons. We will set forth a clear record in this blog so that the public will not confuse our motivations with other community organizations.

On Sept. 28 2007 the Peoria Police Dept. engaged in an operation to address community disturbances in both the aforementioned High School areas. This was the first phase of a multi-phase operation. The result was 32 J-walking tickets issued to various students with the youngest student being 11 years old. Although tickets were issued for individuals obstructing traffic, there were eye-witness accounts that many students were not in violation of the ordinance, and were merely crossing the street.

Immediately, without investigation or further commentary, or even consideration for community organizations such as The Peoria Assn. of Pastors, who had successfully began dialogue on the subject of community harmony through the Peoria Gun Exchange; cries of racism spawned from the NAACP and the King Holiday Cmte. The Peoria Assn. Of Pastors distanced itself from those accusations through it’s release to the Peoria Journal Star found at the following link: http://www.pjstar.com/stories/101307/TRI_BEKGK8JE.029.php

Although racism exists within Peoria, The Peoria Assn. Of Pastors For Community & Spiritual Renewal do not believe that unfounded racial allegations should be used as a tool for social negotiations or for political gain. We further believe that unfounded allegations only further serve to divide and polarize the community and are a disservice to the goal of overall community harmony and peace. We feel that the best way to discover and dispose of racism is through honest, open and clear dialogue, and setting forth clear action plans to address the issues.

On Oct. 22nd 2007, there was a meeting between the Mr. Randy Oliver (City Manager), Police Chief Settingsgaard, Pastor Harvey Burnett, Dr. Rita Ali (The Dr. King Holiday Cmte.), Mr. Don Jackson (NAACP), and Mr. Clyde Gulley (1st Dist. Councilman) and certain other community leaders.
After much discussion, Pastor Burnett set forth the following ideas:

• 1- The tickets written to the youth should be reduced to warnings with stipulations
  That this is a one time reduction and special exception
  Police Authority has not been undermined or circumvented.
  That the NAACP and the King Holiday Cmte. withdraw their allegations of racism
  
• 2- That a community dialogue with the police should continue as to include certain designated representatives of the NAACP and the King Holiday Cmte. The reason we say "continue" is that a dialogue with the Police HAD ALREADY begun at the hand and request of the Peoria Assn. Of Pastors.

Tuesday Oct. 23rd 2007 a press conference has been scheduled at 1:00 PM at the Peoria Police Dept. During this event a formal announcement will be made that the ticket reduction recommendation has been accepted with the following stipulations:

• This is a One Time Reduction.
• The parents of each ticketed student will be notified and required to sign off .
• The students will be required to attend a seminar on community and social responsibility
• The community dialogue would continue as stated previously.
  

The NAACP however refused to withdraw it’s allegations of racial profiling and discrimination when challenged by Pastor Burnett. Because of their refusal, we do not believe that the allegation of racism or the failure to withdraw those allegations until full discussions have been concluded are a good faith effort by both the King Holiday Cmte. or the NAACP.

Special Note:

Racial polarization is not healthy for any facet of the Peoria community and is not a strategy that the Peoria Assn. Of Pastors endorses in resolving community disputes. Honest, open and candid discussion and relationship building is the way that we choose to fight racism at all levels. If diplomacy fails, public steps should be made to disclose all manner of evil, wrong and racism. Until then, the community is better served by leaders who ask questions first, make judgements secondly and who set forth strategies for sustained change.

Therefore we call and continue to pray for full racial reconciliation and a new strategy going forward as we begin a new day of black leadership with the Peoria community.

Even so come Lord Jesus!

Peoria Gun Exchange # 2 Another Great Success

The Peoria Assn. Of Pastors For Community and Spiritual Renewal thanks God for another great gun exchange event. On Saturday Oct. 6th 2007 our assn. exchanged 18 weapons for gift certificates and vouchers including a sawed off shotgun and ammunition that the police was very glad to relieve the community of. ALL weapons were functional and of very high quality.

In all, both gun exchange events have netted over 41 guns and paid almost $4,000 in incentives.

The event was hosted by the St. Paul Baptist Church of Peoria. Their staff did a tremendous job in helping serve the exchange participants.

Some Of The Highlights:

• A family who has observed a certain group of individuals use a sawed off shotgun at various times for suspected criminal activity, gained the courage to take matters in their own hands, found the hiding place of the weapon, (which had been stored outside) and brought it to the exchange for a $100 Walmart gift card that the family plans to use to assist with food and clothing purchases for their children.
• Although we generally don’t compensate for long weapons, in a rare instance, the police suggested that we provide an incentive for an individual who brought in 2 shot guns that were in excellent condition. The individual feared that someone would steal and misuse the weapons. The officers processing the weapon stated that he had lifted 2 of the same type of shotguns in a bust just a couple of months ago. (Here In Peoria) From what the officer said, the current trend involves modifying the weapon buy sawing it off, so that it can be better concealed and used in more threatening ways. Once again, the pastors Assn. was glad to be there.

Next Gun Exchange Event Date & Location:

• Resurrection Power Church Of God In Christ
  2500 N.E. Madison Peoria, IL. 61603
  (309)685-8613 or http://www.resurrectionpowercogic.blogspot.com/
  Saturday Oct. 20th 2007
  Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
  Volunteer Orientation: 9:00 AM (10/20/07) at Resurrection Power COGIC
  

Donations and Contributions:

• Send TO: New Bethel Ministries
  Payable to:
  New Bethel/Pastor’s Assn.
  P.O. Box 6167
  Peoria, IL. 61601
  Memo: Gun Exchange

Any amount will be greatly appreciated and all gifts receive a charitable receipt for the allowable portion of the gift received.

Special Word On The Incentive Debate:

Some have questioned the motivations of individuals exchanging guns solely because of the $100 incentive. First of all, some individuals have exchanged guns freely and would not accept a gift. Secondly, although we realize that there may be some who abuse the opportunity, we feel that the incentive offered is a positive both for the individual and our community.
For many in our target group of individuals (which have participated in this program) an incentive is necessary for them to act or move in the right direction. Taking control of one’s environment requires courage and we are glad to reward individuals for courage as it pertains to helping to make their environment and our community a better one.

Society Often Rewards Less Courageous Acts:

Here is an example: It is a known fact that in many instances, individuals and businesses measure their charitable contributions based on the amount of tax deductions they nominally receive in exchange for their gifts. In these cases, are tax-deductible gifts or the givers motivations called into question or deemed any less valid because of the incentives afforded through the tax code? Obviously NOT!

Therefore, to criticize gun exchange participants who may not have had the courage or opportunity to show up otherwise is unfair and highly unreasonable at best. The Peoria community could provide no more effective incentive than in finding a way to motivate ordinary people to take control of their environments and help them make their neighborhoods better and more safe.

A Closing Note:

Tuesday evening Oct. 9th, the Peoria City Council will decide if this effort is worth the City’s financial participation. Although the City Police Dept. has gone above and beyond the call of duty for and with us, the City Govt. somehow stalled our original request since Aug. 13th 2007.

It is promising that we have not received ANY negative feedback from any council members regarding this event and further there are council persons that have said that they want the City to be involved, however it will be well worth noting how they position themselves on this issue both individually and as a body.

Let’s watch how this one plays out.

The Peoria Gun Exchange A Great Success

Thank God for a wonderful and favorable Gun Exchange event. The gun exchange supplied individuals with valued resources, renewed hope, and extended an new set of relationships and prayer partners to community members who previously didn’t know each other. There were over 21 $100 gift cards delivered and over 23 guns taken in or exchanged.

Due to the community dialogue that has occurred, the program was already considered a success before one gun was exchanged, but the sheer numbers and participation far exceeded the expectation of many. There were an approximate 15 additional individuals turned away. So far there has been a series of calls from individuals wishing to participate in future events and relieve their environments of unwanted guns.

Due to the favorable and overwhelming response the exchange scheduled for Saturday Sept. 29th has been rescheduled. The next event will be as follows:

• Saturday Oct. 6th 2007
  Location: St. Paul Baptist Church 603 W. Nebraska Peoria, IL. 61604 (309)686-2086
  Time: 10:00Am to 2:00 PM (or while supplies last)
• Volunteer Training 9:00AM 10/6/07 St. Paul Baptist Church.

We continue to solicit private donations from any business or individual willing to contribute toward this effort. Donations can be received either personally by calling any of the Pastors listed on this page or mailed to the following address:

• New Bethel/Pastors Assn.
  PO Box 6167
  Peoria, IL. 61601
  Payable to New Bethel/Pastors Assn.
  Memo: Gun Exchange

We wish to thank all businesses, individuals and organizations that have contributed toward this exchange. In addition to the churches of the association, the following is a listing of businesses and individuals that have supported our efforts as of 10/3/2007:

• DECA Realty
• Dunamis Insurance & Business Services
• Illinois Mutual
• Hardin Signs
• Citizens For Community Values
• The Heights Bank
• The Peoria Palace Skating Rink
• Agape Baptist Church
• 5th Avenue Fashions
• MacDonald Shell Gas Stations
• Walmart Peoria (University Peoria)
• South Side Bank Peoria
• Robert O. Kaiser CPA
• Mr. Everett Fritz JD
• Rev. Linda Butler
• Young Visionaries Scholarship Fund
• W.E. Turner- Peoria City Council At Large Rep.
• Citizens For Ardis
• Alwan & Sons Inc.
• Falcon Inc.
• Brewers Distribution
• Honda World Of Peoria
• D. Joseph & Sons Assoc. Real Estate
• Friends Of Ray LaHood
• Mr. Darrin LaHood JD
• City Of Peoria
• Peterson Health Systems
• The Draves Family

Your gifts were used to assist people who were in need and were willing to participate. They helped:

• A man who admittedly had trouble in the past and a criminal background, but who has committed to serving his family and working full time. He needed money for gas to make it to work. He received a $100 Shell Gas card in exchange for a weapon that someone had used to try to kill him with.
  
• An elderly woman who’s primary fear was that someone would break into her home and use the gun that her deceased husband had in the home to kill her.
  
• An individual who no longer wants street or thug life or anything that used to resemble where he had come from.

Every person received prayer and all interactions were positive. Thank you Peoria for your continued support and prayers. The Peoria Pastors Assn. is on the move.

Churches And Pastors:
This Association is all church inclusive and an interdenominational effort. Any church wishing to be a part of the Association and be recognized as such, should call Pastor Burnett at (309)688-6599 or any of the fine Pastors listed on this site.

Peoria Gun Exchange Event

Gun Exchange Theme & Purpose:
The theme for the gun exchange event is "I Am My Brother’s Keeper, Not His Killer" Our purpose is to get guns and weapons off of the street and out of the wrong individuals hands. We are targeting guns that have been used and that could be used in criminal activity which includes violent crimes and any other felonious activities.

Gun Exchange Target:
We are targeting individuals who have been or are likely to be involved in criminal activity using handguns or other weapons. We are targeting family members who have been encouraging individuals to not be involved in criminal activity but have no incentive to take matters into their own hands.We are also targeting individuals who wish to simply take initiative to change their lives, circle of friends and value systems.

Event Goal:
Our goal is to assist in lowering the potential of violent crime resulting from handgun use and misuse. In addition we will minister to the physical and spiritual needs of the individuals and families turning in weapons, and create a greater partnership with the church, police, and the business community.

Gun Exchange Dates:
Sept. 22nd, 2007 and tentatively for 3 Saturday’s consecutively. All Saturday afternoons from 10:00AM to 2:00 PM. There will be 4 different churches used in this effort. The first church is Kingdom Temple Church Of God In Christ located at 911 W. Smith St. Peoria, IL. 61605

Incentive:
We will provide $100 (Non-alcohol & tobacco) food or retail vouchers or gift card certificates in exchange for every qualifying gun. Retail certificates for the first week of the event will be provided by MacDonalds Shell, Walmart and The Finish Line. Due to funding levels supplies will be limited.

Volunteer Training:
There is a training session set for 6:30 PM Thursday Sept. 20th at the Kingdom Temple COGIC 911 W. Smith Peoria, IL. 61605. (309)655-0500. There will also be additional training at 9:00 AM Saturday Sept. 22nd 2007, immediately before the event kickoff.

Contact:
Pastor Harvey Burnett
Pastors Assn. Exec. Dir.
New Bethel COGIC- (309)-688-6599

Pastor Bob Randle
Pastors Assn. Member
Higher Dimensions Church- (309)-673-9594

Supt. Embra Patterson
Pastors Assn. Member
Kingdom Temple Church Of God In Christ- (309)655-0500

Capt. Phil Korem
Peoria Police Dept. – (309)-494-8399