ST. JOSEPH COUNTY NEWS MEDIA

With minimal ability to physically distance and a large number of people coming in and out, jails nationwide have been hot spots for the coronavirus.

After facing criticism from activists, faith leaders and Common Council members for a lack of action on a disciplinary system called a “matrix” for South Bend police officers, Mayor James Mueller [...]

The matrix, sought by clergy leaders belonging to the group Faith in Indiana, would set up clearer guidelines on the types of punishments for officers who commit misconduct. Former Mayor Pete [...]

Clergy with the group Faith in Indiana have pressed for a “disciplinary matrix” that would set up clearer guidelines on the types of punishments for officers who commit misconduct.

Local faith leaders met with South Bend Mayor James Mueller [and] were disappointed by Mueller's lack of immediate action on the matrix, as well as de-escalation training for officers and [...]

As for Faith In Indiana's James Williams, he says it is up to the next generation of voices and leaders from all races, not just black, to come together and put an end what he and many before him [...]

No matter our race, religion or zip code — Hoosiers care deeply about our families. During this crisis, we’ve seen nurse’s aides, grocery store clerks and sanitation workers step up and keep us [...]

Jeff Walker, a prisoner advocate working with Faith in Indiana, said county officials have taken “a lot of good steps” by releasing many nonviolent inmates. Even with reduced populations, Walker [...]

In the wake of the verdict [of former police officer Ryan O'Neill], faith leaders and community members gathered to pray and rally for more police accountability Saturday. Faith in [...]

Area interfaith groups met for an emotional procession to advocate for change Saturday. The procession of prayers, organized by Faith in Indiana, was in light of an independent special [...]

[Faith in Indiana] leaders marched in South Bend on Saturday to demand that a disciplinary policy for police officers be adopted within the next 60 days. It comes a day after a special prosecutor [...]

More than 50 people of various faiths gathered to pray that South Bend Mayor James Mueller has the “wisdom and courage” to follow through on a new matrix to discipline police officers. And to do [...]

Dion’s faith is very important to him. That’s why he wants to continue to be active in Faith in Indiana, composed of people who work for economic and racial justice. Dion is not afraid to address [...]

Members of the group Faith in Indiana have pointed to cases in which officers received seemingly light punishment despite previous disciplinary records. The union has said different police chiefs [...]

“This kind of discipline matrix, in our opinion, is long overdue,” said Nicole MacLaughlin, a member of Faith in Indiana. “We believe this is a very urgent issue and our members are resolute that [...]

In light of Mueller’s statement, Robert Smith, a leader with Faith in Indiana, said the group hopes to meet with the mayor in the coming days to find out what his objections are.

“There hasn’t been a clear set of guidelines for consequences for particular kinds of misconduct,” said Andre Stoner, a Near Northwest Neighborhood resident and organizer with the group Faith in [...]

The city of South Bend is poised to lay down the law where its law enforcement officers are concerned. It’s hoped the development of an officer discipline matrix will help restore community [...]

The procedure for disciplining South Bend police officers might change soon. For the first time on Wednesday, the city presented the Board of Public Safety with what’s called a “discipline matrix."

Whether in church, synagogue, mosque, or at the kitchen table, most of us learned at an early age that while money and material goods come and go, life and health are precious and irreplaceable. [...]