Illinois AG investigation finds longstanding issues within Joliet Police Department

JOLIET, Ill. - The Illinois Attorney General’s Office has concluded a three-year investigation into the Joliet Police Department, finding a longstanding pattern of excessive force and systemic issues within the agency.

The inquiry was launched after the 2020 death of Eric Lurry, a 37-year-old Black man who died in police custody. While the investigation was prompted by that incident, Attorney General Kwame Raoul emphasized it examined department-wide practices, not specific officers or events.

In a joint statement with Joliet Mayor Terry D’Arcy, Raoul called for fair and constitutional policing, saying, "Joliet residents deserve lawful and constitutional policing that is fair to all people, regardless of race or gender."

Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans responded to the report by acknowledging past issues but highlighted reforms implemented since the investigation began.

"This is not the Joliet Police Department of today," Evans said. He pointed to changes in leadership, including his own two-and-a-half-year tenure as chief, and efforts to create a more experienced and diverse command staff.

While Chief Evans expressed disagreement with some of the report’s findings, he stressed the department’s full cooperation with the investigation and commitment to transparency.