Joliet Hearing Audio Could Reshape Harrison Case

The Joliet Board of Fire and Police Commissioners may soon decide whether to share the sound recording from a closed termination hearing. The case centers on Lieutenant Jeremy Harrison and Flock Safety, the city's license plate reader system. Harrison is accused of using the database to follow a female officer's location for his own reasons. He denies that claim. The board also has to decide whether to keep the firing approved by retired Police Chief Bill Evans.

Attorneys for Harrison want the original recording, not just a transcript. They say the written record has missing or unclear sections, which makes a final argument difficult. Kelly Coyle, who represents the board, said the audio is mostly understandable and that the hearing process was normal. She also said there was no unusual handling of the record. Because the session was closed, the recording is treated as confidential under state open-meetings law. Coyle said the board must make the release decision, and that the request should have gone to the board first.

Will County Judge Jennifer Lynch moved the lawsuit to Tuesday. She wants to see what the board does before she rules further. Harrison's lawyers say they tried to resolve the issue through the usual process and now need the audio to have a fair chance to respond. They also asked for more time to file legal papers, but Coyle said the Monday deadline was already paused. Lynch questioned whether the court should step into a personnel matter before the board reaches a final decision.

The timing brings added pressure. Antoine Edwards was appointed to the five-member board this week, replacing Natalie Coleman, who attended the May 13 hearing. Harrison's attorney, Oliver Soleiman, said Flock has become a major concern since Harrison was recommended for firing last year. He pointed to separate investigations involving some Will County officers and dispatchers over alleged misuse of the system. Soleiman also said Harrison has not received pay since December 2025 and argued that the board should not let that continue.