Vote For Quillman, Says Joliet Black Police Officer Association

JOLIET, IL — The Joliet Chapter of Black Police Officer Association has chosen to endorse Jan Hallums Quillman for the at-large City of Joliet Council Position on April 6.

Quillman is the only incumbent running for re-election. There are three open seats on the Council and 12 candidates on the ballot.

Tuesday night's news release states that the mission of the Joliet Black Police Officer Association is to enhance the relationship between law enforcement and the community, by identifying and addressing injustice and inequality in every aspect of policing and being a viable resource in producing change.

"We are committed to providing resources that develop the membership in an ethical, courteous and impartial manner both professionally and personally. In furtherance of this mission, we are committed to establish a diverse law enforcement community that reflects the demographics in which we serve."

According to the Joliet BPOA, "Mrs. Quillman has been representing the residents of Joliet since 2005. Councilwoman Quillman serves on City Council Public Safety Committee working to get needed equipment. She has worked with many groups and associations to bring a diverse work force to the City of Joliet. Jan is a member of the National Hook up of Black Women (NHBW) which has the goal of, improving the lives of women and their children through support of the arts, culture, health wellness, education, and human service programs. She has been a voice for the people of the City of Joliet. Mrs. Quillman has stated her independence from any individual or group on the Joliet City Council. It is our belief Mrs. Quillman will be a mentor to any new member of the Joliet City Council."

On March 5, Joliet Patch published Quillman's candidate questionnaire. One of Patch's questions asked: "Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?"

"The council is working to support racial equality as evidenced by the recent hiring of a Female Police Chief who has assembled a racially and culturally diverse Command Staff. There has also been the hiring of minority females on the Fire Department for the first time in the city's history. Equality for all residents of our city can only be accomplished through continuing communication between the citizens and their elected officials," Quillman answered.

Patch also asked her: "Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?"

Quillman answered that question by stating, "The Black Lives Matter movement is not only about alleged police misconduct it has to do with transparency. The public has to have confidence and faith in elected officials that if an incident occurs it will be investigated and handled judiciously. Those who participated in the demonstrations that resulted in property damage and injury should not reflect on those who are seeking resolve to the issue."