Divisions and Units
Select a division/unit below to view more information.
Administration
Office of the Chief
The Office of the Chief of Police handles the day-to-day operations of managing the Police Department. It is primarily responsible for the overall management and direction of the police department, which includes several divisions. In addition, the Chief’s Office is responsible for liaison with other City departments, elected City officials, governmental and private sector agencies, and various community and neighborhood organizations.
The Department’s local and regional recruiting activities are conducted by the Special Operations Division-Community Services Officer(s), Administrative Division, Training Division, and City of Peoria Human Resources Department. The Department conducts a variety of activities at colleges and universities. Police representatives attend job fairs, make special presentations to classes, and develop relationships with institutions offering police-related fields of study.
In addition:
Administration is responsible for formulation and administration of the budget. They are also is responsible for crime analysis, multi-year planning, manpower allocation analysis, systems analysis, contingency planning, grant formulation and administration, and production of annual reports. In addition are responsible for grant administration, budget processing (both operating and capital improvement), and auditing.
Fiscal Affairs is responsible for the centralization of the department’s payroll and assisting in the department’s budgeting process. Fiscal Affairs is also responsible for ordering, maintaining, and distributing the department’s central supplies and processing all account payable vouchers.
Neighborhood Services Unit
The Peoria Police Department is proud of its accomplishments in offering the citizens of Peoria many community services programs. Previously, per year over 12,000 people attend our programs. In the past, the Community Services Division presents over 500 programs to our community on the average per year as well.
Nuisance Abatement
Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood Programs
Citizen’s Police Academy
College Internship
The Peoria Police Department Community Services Division consists of one officer who is looking forward to your invitation to come and speak to your class or group regarding any topic. If you have a topic not seen here, please contact us and we will attempt to accommodate you by developing an outline from your suggested topic.
Community Services Special Activities Guide
Police Department Building Tours
Tours are conducted to educate the general public in the functions of the police department. In addition, cost management and history may be discussed.
(approximately 45 minutes -1 hour in length)
Availability:all year, by appointment.
Emergency Communications Center Tour
Tours are conducted to educate the general public in the functions of the Emergency Communications Center and meet those who work there.
(approximately 45 minutes -1 hour in length)
Availability:all year, by appointment.
Citizen’s Police Academy
This is an intense curriculum, designed to give the citizens of Peoria a better understanding of the operations of the Peoria Police Department and to encourage citizens to take a more active role in their community. This program provides a working relationship between the police and the citizens of Peoria. Participants will play an active role while attending class. Classes will be held at the Peoria Police Department in the Community Training Room – 600 S.W. Adams Street – Peoria, Illinois 61602.
(approximately 10 WEEKS – 1 day per week)
Applicants must be at least 21 years of age. A background check will be done on each applicant
Availability:2- 10 week sessions per year. One session in the Spring and one session in the Fall.
More information is available at the Citizen’s Police Academy page.
Color Guard
The Peoria Police Color Guard assembles to post the colors (flags) of our Country, State, City, and Police Department. This activity is usually done for opening ceremonies, sporting events, meetings, inaugurations, memorial services, and parades.
Availability: By appointment only. Please contact Sgt. David Cook at 309-673-4521 for more details.
More information is available at the Color Guard page.
Crime Stoppers
A program serving Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford Counties. Citizens can call Crime Stoppers at 673-9000 or 347-9000 to supply information to a police department on a crime. When citizens call they are given a number so they will remain anonymous. We never ask for or want the citizen’s name. If the information results in an arrest and indictment, they are eligible for a cash reward. For Crime Stoppers Illinois visit their website. For Crime Stoppers Peoria visit their website.
Availability:all year, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Program Availability: all school year.
Fingerprinting
A service to educate parents of children on how to keep their child safe. To help in that process, Community Services will fingerprint your child and give parents/guardians those prints to keep in a packet. The packet will also include a recent photograph of the child. In the event the child becomes missing the parent/guardian can give this to the police to aid in finding the person.
(approximately 2 hours in length)
Availability:all year-by appointment
In addition to the programs listed above, we schedule speakers for luncheons and groups. We have police informational displays for neighborhood outings or other events as requested. If any of these programs interest you or if you should have a question, feel free to contact us. Through programs such as these we strive to “Build a Partnership with our Community”.
Investigations
Criminal and Special Investigations
The Criminal Investigations Division is responsible for identifying and apprehending criminal offenders, and for preparing criminal cases for prosecution. These cases may involve robbery, theft, rape, murder, fraud, drugs, arson and other serious crimes. Investigators work closely with victims, respecting their right to equal justice under the law. Below is a link to documentation to assist you if you feel you have been a victim of a financial crime:
General Definitions for Financial Crimes
Financial Crimes: What To Do
Financial Crime Questionnaire
Below is a link to documentation to assist you if you feel you have been a victim of a property crime. You will need to complete the form and follow the instructions for submittal to Peoria PD:
Citizen Property Loss Report Form
The Juvenile Unit is committed to the development and implementation of programs to prevent and control delinquency and criminal behavior among youths. In addition to coordinating and preparing court cases for youthful offenders, the Juvenile Unit acts as a liaison to local schools.
The Computer Crimes Unit was initiated in 1999 as there was a growing need for work in this area as the exploitation of children and computer frauds were becoming evident. Detectives were trained extensively in the specialized unit in the area of computer forensics. Special equipment and software was purchased via grant and City funding to help identify and preserve evidence – “fruits of the crime”. The Computer Crimes Unit works in partnership with Federal, State, and local agencies to combat child pornography, internet frauds, and other related matters.
The Computer Crime Unit Presents:Internet Safety Tips for Parents, Children, and Consumers
The Target Offender Unit was formed to identify individuals, groups and / or gangs involved in committing crimes of violence and to address violent behavior by offering referrals to the appropriate agencies to assist these individuals in getting the proper help to improve their future and make the community a safer place.
Professional Standards (Internal Affairs)
The Professional Standards Division is established within the Office of the Chief of Police of the Peoria Police Department. The Professional Standards Division is headed by a police lieutenant, who reports directly to the Chief of Police.
The men and women of the Peoria Police Department are dedicated to building a strong Peoria. Through the delivery of exemplary service with a focus on problem solving, we are committed to enhancing the quality of life in our neighborhoods by “Building a Partnership” with the community we serve.
Compliments
How to compliment the actions or performance of a Peoria Police Employee?
- Call the Police Department at 309/673-4521 or stop by the department and ask to speak with a supervisor to verbally communicate your thanks.
- Write a letter or send an email to the Peoria Police Department commending the employee. An email form can be found at Peoria Police Department.
- Complete the Commendation / Complaint form: PPD Complaint and Commendation Form
Commendation letters are forwarded to the Department member and a copy is placed in the employee’s permanent personnel file.
Complaints
What is considered a personnel complaint?
A complaint of wrong doing or inappropriate action on the part of any employee of the Peoria Police Department.
How do I file a complaint against a Police Department employee?
When a person has a complaint against a police department employee (sworn or civilian), the complaint may be filed in person, by telephone or completing the citizen commendation / complaint form and sending it to the Department: PPD Complaint and Commendation Form
Illinois law (50 ILCS 725/3.8(b)) requires that anyone filing a complaint against a sworn police officer must have the complaint supported by a sworn affidavit. This can be done by using a notary public.
What type of complaints will not be taken?
Complaints alleging disagreements on traffic or parking tickets or probable cause for an arrest are examples of complaints that may not be taken since they are best suited for a judicial review and decisions.
Will the Police Department employee be told about the complaint?
Yes. As in the case with a potentially punitive process, the accused is afforded the right of knowing what they are accused of and who the accusers are. This is done in fairness to the employee just as it is for any other person.
How long will the investigation take?
Whenever possible, investigations will be concluded within 30 days unless unusual circumstances warrant an extension. The Department will make every effort to keep the complainant advised of any delays and the disposition of the investigation.
What if the allegations / complaint turns out to be false?
If a complaint is made on a good faith belief of truth and the Department member is cleared, the complaint will be closed without further action. If it is determined the allegation was intentionally false or intended to discredit or embarrass the Department member, you may be subject to criminal charges or a civil law suit.
What if your concerned about the disposition of the investigation?:
You may contact the Police-Community Relations Committee at 309/494-8450 or email: Communityrelationscommittee@peoriagov.org or phone the Chief of Police at 309/494-8335.
False Complaints?
On occasion people will make false complaints against department members. Citizens should be aware of the Illinois Criminal Code 720 ILCS 26-1(A4) “Transmits or causes to be transmitted in any manner to any peace officer, public officer or public employee a report to the effect that an offense will be committed, or has been committed, knowing at the time of the transmission that there is no reasonable ground for believing that the offense will be committed, is being committed or has been committed.”
Police employees are carefully selected, held to high professional standards and provided the best training possible. If you should have an occasion to see a police employee doing an outstanding job, we encourage you to let us know about it.
To download a copy of the flyer:
Records
Yearly, the Records Unit personnel handles over 43,000 police incident reports, and enters more than 576,000 report forms into the computer.
We process about 9,370 insurance requests for accident reports, 1,900 requests for incident reports through the Freedom of Information Act, and 75 subpoenas. The criminal history clerks process information for more than 18,700 arrests.
Records counter clerks handle more than 3,500 requests for information from police personnel. In addition, they handle more than 6,000 walk in and 7,500 telephone requests for information from the public.
The License Clerk processes more than 7,800 false alarms. Records personnel fingerprinted more than 1,000 city and local government applicants, and processed over 1,500 requests for city licenses. We provided information about registered sex offenders to more than 400 local agencies.
The Records Unit generated more than $165,900.00 through accident report requests, false alarm billings, license fees and report requests in 2000. These fees are deposited into the City General Funds account.
Support Services
Support Services consists of the Technical Services Division, the Information Office, the Records Unit and Training Unit..
The Technical Services Division is responsible for administration and maintenance of all departmental records, security, and the management of departmental vehicles and facilities.
All criminal histories, arrest records and related information are maintained within the division. The Information Office coordinates walk-in and telephone complaints, arrest bookings, report processing and departmental referrals.
Training
Training Division provides the training and equipment for all 240 employees of the Peoria Police Department. Training is responsible for purchasing and issuing all police gear and uniforms, planning, developing and evaluating training programs, administering the firearms program including the operation of the range, maintaining training records, administering the training budget, developing and selecting instructors, orientation of all police recruits, notifying personnel of required training, and scheduling the training classrooms.
On average, the Training Unit annually plans or schedules 250 schools locally and throughout the U.S. Commissioned officers receive an average of 80 hours of training each year, including a mandatory 24 hour block on “CORE” topics. In 2016, some of these topics included Defensive Tactics, Tactical Firearms, Bullying, Sexual Harassment, Mental Health Awareness, Domestic Violence and Haz-Mat / CPR / Bloodborne Pathogens.
Please feel free to contact us at:pdtraining@peoriagov.org or at 309/494-8240.
Uniform Services
Patrol Division
- apprehension of criminal offenders
- maintenance of order
- protection of life and property
- emergency intervention
Patrol officers also assist in accident scene investigation, as well as having a proactive stance toward traffic enforcement. Additionally, officers assist detectives and crime scene unit personnel with the control of crime scenes and the gathering of evidence. Patrol officers serve as a direct liaison between the department and the community on quality of life issues.
Traffic (Accident) Unit
On-Line Traffic Accident Reports:
The Peoria Police Department is now improving our level of service to our community by making crash reports available to the public on-line. Citizens, insurance companies, law firms, etc., are now able to rapidly find, view, and print crash reports from the comfort and convenience of their homes and offices. Reports will usually be available in this electronic format within 2 business days following the incident.
Enforcement
The Traffic Division’s primary responsibility is to reduce traffic collisions within the 48 square miles within the City of Peoria, Illinois. We accomplish this through enforcement of traffic laws and high visibility. It has been shown and proven in studies throughout the United States that the amount of traffic enforcement directly affects the amount and seriousness of traffic collisions. As the amount of citations and visibility increases, the amount of collisions decreases and hopefully reducing personal injuries and property damage. We frequently have officers assigned specifically to enforcement activities where all of the Officers work a specific area for any and all violations. Certain areas are chosen for maximum enforcement due to the number of collisions in that area, and/or complaints received about the area. Aggressive traffic enforcement has been found to be a contributing factor in reducing crime.
Fatal / Major Injury Collision Investigation
The Traffic Division currently has trained ‘Accident Re-construction Investigators’ who are on call in case of a serious collision. The average investigator has a minimum of 200 hours of training specifically in the traffic collision field. The importance of a thorough collision investigation has many aspects. The investigator determines the cause of the collision and if there are charges to be filed in the collision. Also, the report will likely be used later to determine liability, and is frequently used in civil cases as well as criminal. Our Traffic Division is on the leading edge of technology in collision investigation. We were one of the firsts in our area to switch to ‘laser’ speed measuring devices, laser assisted mapping and measuring, digital photography, and advanced training. We were also one of the first to use a system to assist in crime scene/collision diagramming with animation.
Road Side Safety Checks / Intoxicated Driver Saturation Patrol
Over the past few years the Traffic Division has been working under state grants. The grants were given to help reduce the amount of intoxicated-driver involved collisions. In the grant, the Department received new ‘Preliminary Breath Test’ (PBT) and ‘Remote Breath Testing’ (RBT) breath devices, breathalyzer instrument, and money to cover overtime to perform intoxicated-driver sweeps within the city.
Public Awareness
Our traffic division officers have also given numerous presentations in traffic laws and enforcement. We are at times asked to give presentations at schools to all different age groups. During the presentations we are able to relay the importance of safe driving, as well as, bicycle and pedestrian laws to children. We have also given presentations to adults in Citizen Police Academy’s.
