State Police Report Could be Released

A scathing State police report about Springfield cops could be released ... But there's some strings attached. Tonight (Tuesday) the mayor says he may give that report to one alderman who will then share the information with the other's. But that's doesn't satisfy the council. Some alderman say they won't read the report because it's too long ... But they still think the mayor should stop playing games and release it. Tonight (Tuesday) the city council held off on voting for Acting Police Chief Ralph Caldwell's appointment to police chief. Instead they say they need more answers and they want to know what's in that report which we now know summarizes police misconduct while Caldwell supervised. Caldwell hasn't seen the report and the mayor consistently refuses to release it because he says there's legal issues ... But now it comes down to him choosing an alderman to relay that information ... But not all are on board. "I don't think one alderman should be able to read it. If you're going to release it, then release it and release it to all ten." Said Alderman Debbie Cimarossa, Ward 7. Alderman Mark Mahoney, Ward 6 says he wants the report but it shouldn't be a stopping block. "I think city council should have access to that report I think it's it's important I think it's the right thing to do. I am disappointed the Mayor's office didn't do that. However, I am not going to hold off my vote on Chief Caldwell based on that." Rather Mahoney says he wants to know about his plans for improving neighborhood watch programs. Other alderman think since the mayor's previously said he would keep Caldwell as Acting Chief indefinitely ... They have plenty of time to debate whether or not he's right for the job. In a hearing last week Caldwell answered many of the questions about his mentioning in the report ... Which has been released to the public. But alderman say they'd rather have a consensus before voting on the chief. Not to mention ... Alderman Frank Kunz tried to pull his appointment out of committee but he didn't have the support.