By Gianna Njau
PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – With summer temperatures rising, so too are concerns about crime and violence throughout the River City.
New Chief Brad Dixon said the summer months may often bring an increase in criminal activity, especially among the younger population.
However, he said the department’s mission remains the same: protecting the community and preventing violence before it happens.
“Every neighborhood, every kid, it doesn’t matter where you’re from or where you live, you should feel safe in this community,” Dixon said.
The Peoria Police Department is preparing for the crime trends officers often see this time of year, but the new chief said one crime stands above the rest.
“Well, homicide is always at the top of the list. That’s taking someone’s life. We’re always going to prioritize that,” Dixon said.
Year-to-date shooting data from the Peoria Police Department, covering Jan. 1 through May 31, shows increases in some categories of gun violence compared to the same period last year.
Gunshot victims rose from 20 to 22, around a 10% jump compared to last year. Homicides rose from three in 2025 to four this year, a small increase, but less than in 2024, which had five murders that year.
Chief Dixon cannot explain why these crimes are occurring.
“I don’t know that there is one simple answer. I think each case is different. There’s a lot of factors that go into that. I will say if you pick up a gun and shoot someone, you’re making a choice,” Dixon said.
To help improve response times to gun violence, one tool officers will continue using is ShotSpotter alerts. Peoria City Council recently approved a new three-year contract for the technology, costing approximately $316,000 per year. The system alerts officers to possible gunfire within seconds.
“To be on scene, it triangulates where the shots happen, and we use that information with our other technologies,” Dixon said.
That said, technology alone is not the answer. Dixon said he believes community programs and local resources also play a critical role in keeping young people away from violence.
“Great programs, there are all kinds of services. I get frustrated when I hear there is nothing to do in Peoria,” Dixon said.
According to the year-to-date shooting report, there have been around 393 ShotSpotter alerts so far, which is fewer than last year.
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