Downers Grove Police To Host Listening Session

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — The village of Downers Grove will host a policing listening session to address questions that community members have had in the wake of George Floyd's death.

The session will be held at Downers Grove Park District Recreational Center, 4500 Belmont, on Aug. 5 and will be limited to 50 people due to the new coronavirus regulations. Residents can also click the link to submit comments and questions remotely.

Downers Grove Village Manager Dave Fieldman, Chief of Police Shanon Gillette, and District 99 Superintendent Dr. Hank Thiele will be on hand to answer questions and provide information. Comments will remain anonymous.

The listening session is part of an ongoing effort by the Downers Grove Library to "create spaces for dialogue between community leaders and members," according to an email from Cindy Khatri, spokesperson for Downers Grove Public Library. Khatri added that upcoming sessions will focus on inclusion, diversity and equity.

Since capacity is limited, those who wish to attend the listening session in person must register in advance. The library also plans to record the listening session, so residents who cannot attend can view it at a later time.