10 PUB

BELLEVI
JAMES G. PIPER, JR.
FIRST ASSISTANT

(618) 2773892
FAX (618) 277-6748

March 25,2015

Mayor Vera Glasper-Banks

Village of Brooklyn
312 So. 5th Street
Brooklyn, IL 62059
Dear Mayor Glasper-Banks:
As a result of complaints received and concerns raised by citizens and Brooklyn police officers,
my Office has reviewed the towing policies and practices ofthe Brooklyn Police Department.
That review found the following:
The Brooklyn Police Department uses a company called "Classic Auto Body Towing" to
perform towing services.
Classic Auto Body Towing is an Illinois corporation operated out of Swansea, Illinois by
registered agent and president Michael W. Anderson.
Michael W. Anderson is a family member of Brooklyn police officer Dean Anderson.
Officers within the department have stated they often feel pressured to tow vehicles to
generate revenue for the police department for payroll.
The Metro East Police District Policy Manual adopted by the Metro East Police District
Commission and enacted by a unanimous ordinance of the Village of Brooklyn in 2013
prescribes the requirements and appropriate parameters for towing.
The Metro East Police District Policy Manual adopted by the Metro East Police District
Commission and enacted by a unanimous ordinance of the Village of Brooklyn in 2013
states that lito avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest, members of this department
shall refrain from developing or maintaining personal or financial relationships with
victims, witnesses or other individuals during the course of or as a direct result of any
official contact" including but not limited to arrests and investigations which by their
very nature often require collection and seizing of evidence such as vehicles.
The seizing and towing of vehicles during the course of an investigation and prosecution is
proper under many circumstances. However, an actual conflict or appearance of a conflict of
interest in the collection of any kind of evidence can undermine and jeopardize the strength and
credibility of that evidence and can, in turn, diminish the strength and credibility of a case.

Mayor Vera Glasper-Banks

March 25,2015

Page Two

Consequently, I will not charge or consider an application for charges in any case in which a
vehicle was towed using a towing company that has a familial, personal or business relationship
with any Brooklyn police officer. In addition, my Office will strictly scrutinize applications for
charges in Brooklyn cases in which a vehicle was towed to ensure that towing was done in
accordance with policy, in furtherance of public safety and justice, and not simply as a means to
generate revenue.
Sincerely

k-f h--Brendan F. Kelly

State's Attorney

St. Clair County, Illinois