EAST PEORIA, Ill. – The interim has been dropped from the title of police chief in East Peoria.
Dave Catton was approved by City Council on Tuesday night to succeed Rich Brodrick to be the city’s new police chief. Catton had been the interim since Brodrick retired in May.
Catton is an 18-year veteran of the East Peoria Police Department, and was a promotion from within.
At the swearing-in ceremony, Mayor John Kahl talked about the meaning of finding a chief from within the department.
“And I want everyone to know whether you’ve been here for 19 years or you’re getting ready to hire on here, the opportunity’s there for you,” Kahl said. “And it’s up to you and step up and put yourself in position to, hopefully, get promoted in that role.”
Kahl said Catton had the integrity and leadership skills needed for the position.
Catton says one of his objectives as police chief is to try and grow the force.
“We’re short manpower. Man power is the issue. We want to keep recruiting like crazy, we got to show people that this is a community you want to work in,” Catton said.
Catton says he would also like to see some state statutes change to try and help with recruitment.
He also wants to try and embrace more technology within the police department to improve efficiencies. And to have more public events, such as ‘Walk With A Cop.’
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