PEORIA, Ill. — Peoria will have a new chief in town in just over a month.
Following a nationwide search, the City recently announced Eric Echevarria as Peoria’s new police chief. He’s currently serving as Commander of Investigations with the Elgin Police Department.
Echevarria told WMBD’s “The Greg and Dan Show” that the PPD needs to be seen, and they need to be talking to the community.
“I think that’s what’s helped Elgin reduce crime. We’re at a 45-year low in crime here…but, it’s been years,” Echevarria said. “When I started 22 years ago, it was very, very different.”
Echevarria said the key to bringing Peoria’s crime rate down is the PPD’s community engagement…getting out to the schools, being seen as residents, neighbors.
“Not just driving around in the squad car, not getting out. We have to nuture relationships, and that’s what’s going to help us,” Echevarria said.
The PPD’s new chief said his family is excited to make the move to Peoria.
Echevarria will assume his new role with Peoria Police on August 2.
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