Underscoring the need to give people second chances, State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, was joined by decertified officer Zenna Ramos, Village of Riverside President Joseph Ballerine, Village of Riverside Director of Public Safety Matthew Buckley and other local officials at a press conference on Tuesday at the Riverside Village Office to encourage the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) to reverse their decision. “I’m incredibly concerned by the decision of ILETSB regarding Ms. Ramos and their interpretation of recent updates to Illinois law,” Ford said. “Putting up barriers and destroying careers over a minor retail theft from 2008 is irresponsible and is the kind of challenge too many residents face as they are permanently locked out of meaningful employment. Ms. Ramos has overcome incredible adversity in her life, and I’m proud to stand with her and the Village of Riverside as we look to right this wrong.”

“The Village Board, Village of Riverside and I fully support Zenna Ramos,” Village President Joseph Ballerine said. “It is appalling that she is forced to revisit the challenges that she overcame so many years ago. As Village President, I am proud of the strength and resilience Zenna has demonstrated over the past few months, her strength cannot be understated. The Village is fortunate that Zenna applied to work in Riverside and we want her to be here for many years, this is why the Village will continue to advocate on her behalf. She is the type of employee that every department endeavors to hire. Her presence, knowledge, positive attitude, approach and life experiences only strengthens an already incredible department.” Ramos has been transparent regarding her 2008 arrest for retail theft under $150, with charges eventually dismissed and vacated. She later became a certified officer with the Cicero Police Department before leaving and pursuing a position with the Village of Riverside. During the credential transfer process, ILETSB chose to decertify Ramos citing the 2008 incident. ILETSB also sent notice to the Cook County State’s Attorney, which led to her placement on their “Do Not Call List” of officers they will not call for testimony in criminal cases.