Compiled by Lt. S. Elizabeth Buck, Sgt. Russell Hawks (Retired in 1995 as a Lieutenant) Officer Don Sier, Chief of Police Gary Poynter, Captain John Fiers, and Honorable Historians

1820 to 1844

The early settlement days of Peoria saw a very different form of law and order than we have today. If a modern citizen of law enforcement were to be magically transported back to those early days, there would be little to recognize. If a person was arrested for murder, rustling, or stealing, his punishment was often given on the spot, without any need for a jail to hold him or a court to try him.

In 1825, before Peoria was incorporated as a town, there were only two murders. One went to trial before the first Circuit Court to be held in Peoria County. The defendant was an Indian known as Nomaque who was accused of killing a Frenchman named Pierre Landre. Nomaque was found guilty and sentenced to be hung, but for some unknown reason the Illinois Supreme Court reversed the finding of the lower Court granting him a new trial. There was no jail at the time so the citizens took a vote, after being overruled by the Supreme Court, on what to do. They were concerned with the cost of feeding, housing, and guarding Nomaque, which would have been quite expensive. By vote, the citizens decided to administer their own justice and punishment. The punishment consisted of citizens forming two lines and making Nomaque walk between those lines. As Nomaque walked the line, each citizen was allowed to kick him, one time, in the back. There is no history as to the extent of Nomaque’s injuries nor his life after that, but it appears he at least had his life, thanks to the Supreme Court. One interesting note about the trial of Nomaque was the lawyer that defended him was William Hamilton, son of Alexander Hamilton.

The second murder of the year occurred at the home of Mr. Borgardus. When in his customary drunken condition, Mr. Borgardus labored under the hallucination that anyone who approached his home did so with the thought of either killing or robbing him. As such, he employed an army deserter named Seeds, to act in the capacity of sentinel. Borgardus gave this man explicit instruction to shoot any person that approached the Borgardus house and failed to give the necessary “countersign.” The unfortunate victim, while under the influence of early Peoria Rye, staggered in close proximity to Seeds who commenced to shoot him based on the order of Borgardus. As in the matter of Nomaque, this homicide occurred before the town possessed a jail so the citizens voted to forego a trial in order to save the town’s money.

The settlement of Peoria built the first jail in 1834, when the town Marshall impressed upon the townspeople that with the increase of crime, a jail was now a necessity. The townsfolk approved and during the same year, land was acquired and a contract given to George DePree to construct the jail for the cost of $181.00. Built in the alley between Main and Hamilton and Perry and Monroe, It was completed in 1835 and aptly became known as the “Oak Bastille” after its construction material and Peoria’s French heritage. Using 24-inch thick oak logs, the walls were three logs thick to discourage escape. Another obstacle to escape was a lack of windows and only one door to the jail. The door was on the roof of the building being sixteen feet square and seventeen feet high. Prisoners were lowered in and raised out by means of a rope through this door on the roof. (Although prisoners had few legal rights during those early days, the village fathers felt it was improper for the jail to have no windows, so one was ordered installed in 1839.) Despite all of their precautions the “Oak Bastille” had one man who managed to escape and gain freedom while a guest at the Peoria City Jail. The name of this “elastic man” is not known, but elastic is what he had to be. By some method, he reached the sills of the overhead trap door jumping 17 feet to the ground making good his escape. The peculiar circumstance surrounding this escape was the jailer (who was also the town Marshall). It appears he failed to buckle down the trap door. Several of the fine citizens of Peoria imagined that the Marshall may have helped this man and were waiting until election to dispose of him. The Marshall’s supporters took issue with the anti-Marshall group, offering as evidence of the escapees’ resourcefulness. It appears he was arrested for stealing an entire blacksmith shop – not exactly the entire shop, however, as he did leave behind the forge and the building, having already carried away the hammers, anvils, and all other tools. It seems the man was arrested only when he returned to clean the building for the owner in order that it could be placarded “For Rent.” From all indications the Marshall learned the folly of allowing anyone to escape and this was the only escape from the “Oak Bastille.”

Peoria was incorporated as a village on March 11, 1835 with leadership going to a village president. Rudolphus Rouse served as Peoria’s first president followed by George B. Parker in 1836. Parker remained in office the following year during which he created the position of police chief, known officially as “Town Chief,” and appointed John B. Lisk to the post. There are no known records to tell the size of the police department at that time, but Lisk may have been, not only the Town Chief, but also the only police officer.

Town Chiefs

1837-1838 John B. Lisk

1838-1839 Edward F. Nowland

1840 Jacob Silzell

1841-1842 George Divelbiss

1843 Thomas Bryant

1844 John Brown  

1845 to 1869

On April 21 1845, Peoria was incorporated as a City, triggering several changes. First of which was the end of the village presidency and the beginning of the mayoral system. Under this new system, every time a new mayor was elected, he would appoint a new chief of his choosing which placed the department under direct political influence. During this same time, the title of “town chief” was officially changed to “Chief of Police.” The first mayor to be elected was Halsey Merriman and he appointed Daniel E. Oakley as the first Chief of Police in 1845.

The city was rapidly assuming dignity and the fact it was the county seat of Peoria County made it necessary to have a more pretentious structure for housing criminals. The decision was made to erect a structure that could be used by the county and city alike. In 1849, a new jail was built at Eaton and Washington. In front of the jail, a two story brick building was erected and became known as the “Sheriff’s Mansion” of Peoria County. The style and elegance of this mansion far surpassed any similar structure in the State. This jail remained in use for several years, until the City of Peoria constructed its first City Hall at the corners of Madison and Fulton. The City Hall that was built in 1859 was a two-story structure that housed the city offices, a fire station, and in the rear a small jail. Court was held on the second floor of a building across the alley from this jail. To ensure the safety of the prisoners going to court and as a deterrent to escape, a bridge was built across the alley connecting the court and the jail. The prisoners were made to walk this bridge in all weather and many on the return trip, after receiving large penalties, could be in as nasty a disposition as the weather was. The bridge earned the nickname “Bridge of Sighs.”

Throughout the early law enforcement days in Peoria the city apparently attracted gangs such as the Berry gang in the early 1860s which created havoc for local law enforcement officers.

It was in 1862 that the Peoria Police Department authorized a standard badge for all of the officers. The badge, designed by J. Marshall Guill, was a star engraved with the words “Peoria Police,” but had no badge numbers on it.

Two interesting stories ran in the “Peoria Daily Transcript,” one of the many newspapers available. One, on August 29, 1863, reported that the City of Peoria had refused to aid the military in holding deserters. Another article written in October reported the Peoria Police Department consisted of a Chief, two Captains, five day patrolman and eight night patrolman. At this time, employment on the department was by mayoral appointment.

Chiefs of Police

1845-1847 DanielE.Oakley 1848 John E. Carter

1849-1850 Henry Hahn

1851 Wallace Law

1852-1853 Dennis Hays

1854 John C. Heyle

1855 Alfred B. Kidwell

1856-1857 Andrew Bowman

1858 Stephan Roszell

1859 John Wetzel

1860-1861 George W. Campbell

1862-1864 Hiram H. Pierce

1865-1866 Frank J. Vonachen

1867-1868 Theopholus Schaerer

1869 Thomas Lynch

1870 to 1900

In 1870 the title of the head of the Peoria Police Department was officially changed to Superintendent of Police, and remains such to this day. The first Superintendent was John M. Guil who was succeeded by Samuel L. Gill in 1873. It is not known if the first Superintendent was the same man that designed the first police badge in 1862, but it is a good possibility.

The City of Peoria had spread considerably by this time, especially to the north and south. When John W. Kimsey was made Superintendent of Police in 1876, he caused the old No. 4 Engine House on Meyer Avenue to be converted into a sub-station to take care of the southern portion of the town. There were no telephones in use then, nor did the City possess a patrol wagon. If one of the officers was fortunate in making an arrest and the offender was in a condition which prevented him from walking to the Police Station, the officer, under the law, had the authority to press any convenient wagon into service for the purpose of hauling the prisoner to the nearest station. The city was required to pay fifty cents for each and every prisoner hauled.

Superintendent Kimsey officially named the Engine House “Lower Station” and placed a night captain, H. C. Lincoln, in charge from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. and an assistant from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Superintendent Kimsey also introduced crossing policemen Henry Pringle, Leonard Sommers and James H. Murphy.

In 1878, Mayor John Warner appointed Martin C. Dailey Superintendent of the Police and made Elijah C. McWhirter Night Captain. These men continued to manage the department until 1882 when Mayor Frank Hitchcock was elected. He appointed John Minor to be Superintendent, with John Hill Night Captain. Nineteen eighty-four and nineteen eighty-five again saw John Warner at the head of the municipality. He immediately discharged Hitchcock’s selections, re-appointing his old friend Martin Dailey as Superintendent and Elijah McWhirter as Night Captain.

Mayor Kinsey was elected in 1886 resulting in new faces to appear at police headquarters, along with new rules and equipment. His selection for Superintendent of Police was Henry C. Lincoln and William Selby was appointed Night Captain. It was during this period, the horse patrol wagon was introduced. Drawn by one horse, it was without a cover or a screen to hide the occupant. This drew criticism from the more genteel of Peoria’s citizenry, but the wagon remained an open affair until 1896.

The Police Patrol Box was also introduced under this administration, which caused the citizens to believe the highest pinnacle of progress had been attained. Peoria was one of the first cities in the country to institute the Patrol Box.

In 1888, John Warner again was elected mayor. He appointed Thomas N. Gorman Superintendent with Andrew J. Mooney Night Captain. After leaving his post as Superintendent of Police, Gorman served in the Illinois State Legislature becoming quite powerful in Illinois politics.

Charles C. Clarke was elected mayor in 1891 and his choice for head of the department was Charles F. Flynn. Flynn’s Night Captain was Charles A. W. Fash, who afterwards became Superintendent. Two very significant events occurred during Clarke’s administration. First, Henry C. Gibson, the first African-American male, was commissioned as an officer. Secondly, Mrs. Albina Barrett, was the first female appointed to the position of “Matron.” As a member of the Peoria Police Department, her duties were varied, but she was primarily responsible for the welfare of “wayward women and children” who came into contact with the police department.

When Mayor Clarke was re-elected in 1892, he appointed Thomas P. Hayden Superintendent, John A. Arnold Night Captain, Andrew J. Mooney Chief of Detectives, Charles P. Sloan Sergeant and Mrs. Emma P. Wonder, Matron.

The administration remained relatively unchanged until 1898 when John W. White was appointed Superintendent with Frank Kleinhenz as Captain. The sergeant’s position continued to be held by Sgt. Sloan while Mrs. Albina Barrett took over once again as Matron.

1900-1955

The arrival of a new century saw vast changes within the Peoria Police Department. It was in this time period that the police department saw the introduction of motorized patrol units, two way radios, vast increases in the amount of training for officers and much needed social change. This was a period that saw twelve Peoria officers lose their lives in the line of duty. Also, a period where twice, the integrity of the department’s members kept mobs from lynching prisoners accused of killing police officers. It was one of the most exciting, quickly changing periods of the department, where new ideas were constantly being experimented with and the city force was recognized nationally as one of the best.

By 1901 the Department found their numbers increasing and thus created the new position of police lieutenant. The first man appointed to this rank was John J. Welsh.

Edward Woodruff was elected mayor in 1903 and immediately appointed William W. Rhoades Superintendent of Police while Mr. Bibbs became the second African-American officer to be commissioned. Peoria also established a city ambulance service this year, a horse drawn rig manned by four policemen.

1903 also saw the first of several tragedies for the officers and citizens of Peoria when William F. Murphy became the first Peoria Police Officer to die in the line of duty. Detective Murphy and his partner, Detective Chadwick, had gone to the area of Fayette and Water to locate a man named John McCray. McCray had a warrant for stealing coal and had been named as a possible robber who had taken some men’s clothing on Sanford Street earlier. Arriving at Fayette and Water, Murphy went up to McCray and told him he had to come with him. McCray pulled a pistol, firing point blank at Murphy. The bullet entered the left side of the chest just below the shoulder. Murphy dropped to the ground and Chadwick ordered McCray to surrender, which he did. Patrolman Nichols heard the shooting and responded to the scene. Murphy died twenty minutes after being shot.

Detective Murphy was one of the most popular men on the department and held in high esteem by many of Peoria’s citizens. As word went around of his death, a crowd started to form around the city jail. The mob demanded that McCray, a black man, be handed over to them to be lynched. A lack of leadership within the mob, however, helped prevent a catastrophe. Dozens of police officers under strict orders of Mayor Woodruff and Superintendent Rhoades held the angry mob in check, despite the jeering and hooting and demands for the blood of McCray. When the time came to transfer McCray from the city to the county jail, Superintendent Rhoades personally took charge, secretly making the transfer and protecting McCray from the mob. Detective Murphy was buried two days later in Saint Mary’s cemetery. Unmarried, he was survived by his parents and two brothers.

By 1906 the department had grown considerably. The positions at the time included a Superintendent of Police, one captain, one lieutenant, three sergeants, fifty-six patrolmen, four detectives and one matron. The annual salaries were $1,500 for Superintendent, $1,200 for captain, $900 for lieutenant, $600 for patrolman and $400 for matron. The patrol officer worked twelve hour days, seven days a week, with one day off per month. There was no overtime, vacation or holiday pay and no uniform allowance. A starting patrolman was issued a badge (a large six-pointed star with copper numbers), a nightstick and a callbox key. The remainder of his uniform and equipment was purchased by him. There was a written rule manual issued to each officer and it was titled ”Manual of Rules and Regulations for the Government of the Police Force.” One of the opening statements in this manual was “a patrolman must constantly patrol his beat, unless otherwise directed, and must not sit, lounge, loaf, or act the idler thereon.”

In 1907 a Patrol House was built at the rear of City Hall at a cost of $22,000 dollars. The dedication of this police building became a major event because the police had been without a “home” for several years. It all started in 1897, when construction of the present day City Hall began at a cost of $240,000 dollars. Finished in 1899, the new Hall was dedicated without a patrol house. A new jail was built at the rear of it, but again, no offices were ever established for the police department; so, the police had to make their home in a temporary location. From 1900 to 1907 they worked out of the first floor of the old United Presbyterian Church located on the corner of Madison Avenue and Liberty Street.

Keeping abreast of the advancements in law enforcement, an Identification Division was established and headed by a “Superintendent of Identification.” As was common in 1907, the department began using the Bertillon System of Classification. This system consisted of measuring the different body parts, such as the head, arms, legs, overall, body height and several of the large bones. This information was then recorded and filed under similar likeness.

Tragedy struck on October 12, 1907, when Patrolman Edward Barrett was shot and killed in the line of duty. A city alderman, Bonnie Derges, was awakened in his home by a burglar shortly after midnight. When he arose, Alderman Derges obviously frightened the burglar, who immediately took flight. Officer Barrett and his partner, Officer Welpley, heard the noise and with Officer Smith, Sgt. McConnell and Officer Burley began to scout the neighborhood in the vicinity of the Derges home. Barrett went up the alley behind the 700 block of Glendale and shortly thereafter, the other officers heard four shots fired. The officers ran in the direction of the shooting and ran upon a heavyset man who darted out of an alley. Sgt. McConnell opened fire on him, but the man escaped in the darkness.

In the rear of 711 Glendale they came upon Officer Barrett who was huddled up against a fence. He had been struck one time in the head, the other three shots fired by the gunman obviously missing. Barrett was taken to St. Francis Hospital where he died two hours later. Officer Barrett had a wife and a nineteen-year old daughter, who were at the hospital with him when he died. A massive manhunt ensued where Police Superintendent Kierans ordered every hoodlum and suspicious person in the city to be brought in to be questioned. The suspect was never found.

It was 1909 that the first police motorcycle, an Excelsior, one cylinder, belt driven machine, was utilized for purposes of law enforcement. This year also saw the Superintendent of Police authorize a secretary for the first time. The secretary was a commissioned officer taken from the ranks.

On April 12, 1910, the citizens of the City of Peoria voted to adopt the Civil Service Act of the State of Illinois. This placed the police department under civil service rules and for the first time in the history of the department, the mayor no longer had the authority to appoint a person to the position of police officer. This power was now vested in a Board of Commissioners, who were appointed by the mayor. However, the mayor could still appoint the superintendent and command officers of his choosing.

Peoria has always been a hub of criminal activity and during the early 1900s, numerous bombings occurred. On September 4, 1911, there were two explosions at the foundry owned by Lucas and Sons Steel Company, which is still in operation today. The explosion wrecked a hoisting crane in the yard while the night watchman narrowly missed death because he stepped out of the yard to talk to a friend. About the same time as the Lucas’ explosion, another bomb was detonated about four miles away at the Peoria and Pekin Union Railway. The suspects apparently knew what they were doing as the explosive device was cleverly designed using nitro glycerin. Steel was the target of the bombers in both instances. The famous Detective William J. Burns, who later became president of Burns Detective Agency, was working a case in Los Angeles California very similar in nature to the ones in Peoria. The suspects were known as the “Los Angeles Dynamiters.” The bombings were connected and the suspects were later apprehended and prosecuted.

The year 1911 heard the ringing of a new year that lasted a long time. Peoria had installed the most sophisticated and complete signal and alarm system that had been installed in any city up to that time. The system was known as the “Flash-lit Gamewell Police Signal and Alarms System”. The system had an automatic gong and flashing bulls-eye signal lamp on each call box. From headquarters, the operator could summon the best officer for a call or message. The same year saw the use of the first motorized ambulance and patrol wagon, which were manufactured in Peoria by Glide Manufacturing Company.

The Henry System of Fingerprinting Identification was being introduced in America. It replaced the Bertillon System and was adopted by the department in 1912. Still in use today, the system employs the use of fingerprint patterns as a method of identifying suspects.

On July 13, 1912, the department, which now consisted of eighty-seven commissioned personnel, had its third officer killed in the line of duty. Patrolman Joseph Enos was shot and killed when his service revolver fell from the seat of the ambulance and discharged, the round striking Enos in the chest. Three officers had just returned to the patrol house with the ambulance after making a run to Proctor Hospital with a dying woman. Upon arriving at the patrol house, two officers John Horne (who had accompanied Enos on the ambulance call) and Officer Huff stepped into the office when they heard an explosion. Believing it that a tire had blown, they stepped out of the office and found Officer Enos trying to reach a cot near the ambulance. He said, “Boys, I’m shot.” He was rushed to Proctor Hospital, but was dead upon arrival. In those days, some of the officers did not carry their weapons in a holster. Enos had been carrying his .38 revolver in his pocket. When he arrived at the patrol house, he had removed the pistol from his pocket and placed it on the ambulance seat. As he got out, the gun fell to the floor of the ambulance and discharged. Enos was survived by his wife and four children.

The station house went into a period of grief over the loss of one of their most well liked and beloved officers. Twelve days later tragedy struck again for the department when Officer Norman Gray was shot and killed attempting to arrest two subjects who had committed a series of six holdups. Officer Gray observed the two subjects in a saloon at 2801 S. Washington Street. The robberies, which began early in the evening, had caused a general alarm and a description of the two suspects to be sent out. Officer Gray went into the Amburn Saloon in his search. Sitting at a table in the corner were two men who matched the description of the suspects. After questioning them, Officer Gray covered the two men with his weapon. He told the bartender, John Graham, to summon the patrol wagon. Just after Graham turned to the phone, one of the men pulled a gun and shot Gray through the right eye. The two suspects then covered all the patrons as they made a getaway. The next day, Harry King was arrested and charged with the murder of Officer Gray. Officer Gray was laid to rest in Springdale Cemetery.

On November 28, 1917, Patrolman Samuel Moffatt was shot and killed by Otto Kurrle. Officer Moffatt and his partner Henry Garrett were at the Dietz Saloon, 1901 SW Adams St., looking for Otto Kurrle who they had orders to arrest for an earlier holdup. Kurrle came into the saloon and saw the two officers. Kurrle looked at Garrett and spoke to him. When Moffatt took a step towards him, Kurrle said, “Don’t get behind me Sam.” Moffatt continued to approach Kurrle who went around the end of the bar and then behind it. Kurrle then drew his pistol as Moffatt grabbed him firing four times at close range. Garrett then fired at Kurrle striking him at least three times killing him instantly. Officer Moffatt was rushed to the hospital where he died the next day of a wound to the abdomen. Officer Moffatt was survived by his wife and seven children. He was laid to rest in Springdale Cemetery.

Nearly one year passed before tragedy struck the department once again. October 5, 1918, Officer Frank Carr and his partner, Officer Hathaway, were looking for a Peter Velaha, wanted for the murder of Susan Zik. Informed that Velaha was sitting in a streetcar, Officer Stege and the informant entered the back of the streetcar. Officers Carr and Hathaway entered through the front. As they started walking down the aisle a shot was fired. Someone outside the car pulled the trolley wire loose plunging the car into darkness. Another shot was fired. Officer Hathaway, thinking Velaha was going to escape, got to a window so he could shoot at him. The lights came back on and Officer Hathaway saw Velaha being beaten by an unknown citizen. Officer Stege pulled the citizen away from Velaha and took possession of a revolver. Officer Carr staggered out of the streetcar and fell into the arms of Officer Hathaway. He told Hathaway, “For God’s sake get me to a hospital, I’m shot, Doc.” Officer Carr was taken to the hospital where he later died of his wounds. Velaha was taken to the hospital; he had been shot in the neck. It seems that when Velaha fired the first time the bullet struck Officer Carr. The citizen that was beating him, grabbed the gun and in the struggle it went off striking Velaha. Velaha died of his wound, also. Officer Carr was survived by his wife and several children. He was laid to rest in Dickenson Cemetery in Dunlap.

Based on annual budget reports for 1919, salaries in the department had risen somewhat with the Superintendent making $2,000 annually. Within these reports can be found other interesting yearly expenditures: $2,000 for prisoners’ meals, $2,000 for auto repairs, $1,500 for horse maintenance, $300 for telegraph and telephone expense and $150 for stationery.

By the 1920s, the department had appointed its first woman officer to head the Identification Bureau. Not only was Christine Miles (Couden) in charge of the Identification Bureau, but she was the first woman to hold the rank of sergeant within the Peoria Police Department.

Accidents plagued the department between 1927 and 1929. Patrolman James Walker lost control of his motorcycle on wet pavement and slid into the path of an oncoming vehicle and was killed. This accident occurred July 7, 1927, at the intersection of Frye and Knoxville. Officer Walker was buried with police honors at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, Illinois.

On August 29, 1929, while patrolling as a passenger in a Peoria Police riot car, Officer Arthur Aiello, age 26, was killed instantly in an accident at Spring and Jefferson. During this time, many of the police vehicles were not equipped with sirens and this was one of the major incidents that occurred causing the City of Peoria to equip all the cars with sirens.

Officer Aiello and his partner were responding to a burglary in progress call at a northside residence. The police vehicle was traveling approximately 40 mph, and because it was not equipped with a siren, was honking its horn along the route. The police vehicle was going northeast on Jefferson approaching Spring Street. A bakery truck had stopped at the stop sign on Spring Street and then entered the intersection where it collided with the police unit. After the initial collision the police car struck a nearby utility pole and then struck a tree located in the yard at 1400 N.E. Jefferson Street. Officer Aiello was thrown from the vehicle. At the time of his death, Arthur Aiello was married and had one son, Frank, who was five months old at the time. Frank later became a Peoria Police Officer.

Bombings, machine gun killings, kidnappings, and other forms of mayhem continued to flourish in Peoria. The term “Roaring Peoria” was highlighted in newspapers around the country. Several taverns were the targets of bombings just because the owners would not succumb to the pressure to lower their prices on alcohol. The bar owners’ automobiles were also targeted for the bombings. The hoodlums tightened their grip around the city’s throat during the early 1930s and 1940s as slot machines, prostitution, gambling, extortion, and other forms of vice flourished in Peoria. Peorians soon learned a murderous tribe of brothers from Southern Illinois were about to join the city’s population. The brothers took their toll on the citizens of Peoria as officials looked the other way when it came to arresting Carl and Bernie Shelton. They had a foot hold on the taverns, slot machines and anything connected with illegal activities. They would travel back and forth from Peoria to Fairfield, as well as other parts of central Illinois. The happy, carefree life of the Sheltons began a downward spiral when Carl Shelton was felled by several bursts from a machine gun near Fairfield, Illinois. Just nine months later, his brother Bernie, who was the new commander in chief of operations, was felled by a single bullet as he stepped out of the Parkway Tavern on Farmington Road near lower Bradley Park. The shooter apparently hid in the cemetery at the top of the hill overlooking the rear of the tavern. A .351 caliber rifle was located near the scene, but no suspect(s) were ever identified. His death brought to a close Peoria’s era of organized criminal activity. Prostitution, gambling, slot machines, and other vice activities declined, at least in comparison to the era of the Shelton Gang. Although vice activities continued into the 1950s and later years, the police were ordered to conduct raids and control this type of criminal behavior.

The 1950s saw the beginning of K-9 units being used in the Peoria Police Department. German Shepherds were used exclusively and usually donated to the department. The quality of these dogs left a lot to be desired as they did not have the disposition or training that the City’s K-9 dogs have today.

The department was evolving and adapting to societal needs, but the technology of the 1950s was moving at a much slower pace then we see today. Police radios were in the squad cars but portable radios were non-existent. The types of crime experienced during the 1950s and 1960s were assault, theft, vice crimes, burglaries, armed robberies, safe cracking, arson and murders. Many of the murders were related to domestic disputes.

In the early 1960s the city fathers developed a program called Police-Fire Integration. They believed the program would be a cost-saving measure and was based on the principle of having police officers perform dual jobs as fire fighters. The officers became known as, “cooperative patrolmen.” During a fire, it was quickly learned that there were not enough officers available to handle police calls. Both, officers and firemen got hurt more often and both disliked the program. The program failed miserably. Costing more money than it was saving, the program was finally abolished.

Technology finally began to make major contributions to law enforcement in the early 1960s. Portable police radios known as a “prep radio” became available and were issued to officers. The radio became one of the officer’s most important tools. With the increase of social unrest and the resulting riots, the need for officer protection dictated the riot helmet and riot baton. Another tool, chemical mace, was introduced during this time to help officers quell a disturbance and affect an arrest.

Superintendent Alan H. Andrews was responsible for bringing many changes to the Peoria Police Department. This is not to infer that past Chiefs of Police and future chiefs did not or will not continue to bring positive changes. The changes made during the 1960s, 70s and 80s were very much needed and it was through Superintendent Andrews that the Peoria Police Department was recognized as a leader in the law enforcement community. During those years, many department representatives came to visit and learn from what Peoria was doing.

Today’s technology plays an important role in law enforcement. Currently there are lap top computers, video cameras, and automotive vehicle locators in the squad cars. Officers are equipped with tools which can be utilized depending on the various levels of force necessary such as tasers (electrical device that disables a person resisting arrest), pepperball guns, SL6 (which shoots “beanbags”), semi-automatic pistols, rifles and shotguns. In the not so distant future will be voice activated computers and automated printing of traffic tickets and ordinance violations.

The Peoria Police Department has one of the best training programs available with many of the certified instructors being officers from within the department. A combination of technology, training, and a good recruit selection process has placed the Peoria Police Department on the cutting edge of the fight against crime.

In spite of the ups and downs, the Peoria Police Department has persevered and weathered the storms of life. No matter the years, whether long or short, it is with great honor to have worn the uniform and badge of the Peoria Police Department and be a part of its rich history...

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Supplemental Information:

In the early settlement days, the justice was swift and sure in any cases of criminal activity. If a person was arrested for murder or horse stealing, his punishment was often given to him right away without need for a jail to hold him--or courts to try him. Crime as we know it today didn't exist, mainly because the community was small in size and homogeneous in values. The majority of the people were God-fearing and law abiding.

In 1825, before Peoria became a town, a murder trial was heard during the first Circuit Court held in the county. The defendant was an Indian named Nomaque. He was accused of killing a Frenchman by the name of Pierre Landre. Nomaque was found guilty and was sentenced to hang.

For some reason, the Supreme Court reversed the findings of the lower court and granted a new trial. There was no jail, and because the feeding and guarding of this man could become expensive, the citizens took a vote and decided to administer a punishment. The punishment consisted of the citizens forming two lines, and as Nomaque walked down the lines, each person was allowed one kick with his boot to the Indian's backside. As to Nomaque s injuries, or his life after that, there is no further mention in any early history.

Until 1834, there had evidently not been a need for a jail, but in that year, the town marshal advised the townspeople that increasing crime had created the need for a jail. Land was acquired, and a contract to build the jail was given to a George DePree. The amount of three hundred and eighty one dollars was paid to DePree, but it is not known if that was the entire amount or only part of the payment. The jail was in the alley between Main Street and Hamilton Avenue, between Monroe Street and Perry Street. It was finished in 1835 and became known as the Oak Bastille.

The name was appropriate, for the structure was constructed out of oak logs. Sixteen feet square and seventeen feet high, it had no windows and only had one door in the roof. People were placed in and taken out by means of a rope ladder that stayed on the roof when not being used. In order to discourage escape attempts, the walls were three logs thick, each log being twenty-four inches in diameter. The village fathers later felt having no windows in this building was improper and ordered one installed in 1839.

Peoria was incorporated as a village on March 11, 1835. At this time in Peoria's history, there was no mayor as such, but rather a village president. The first was Rudolphus Rouse who served from 1835 until 1836, when George B. Parker took office. During the settlement days of Peoria there was only the town marshal to handle the problems.

Mr. Parker appointed Peoria' s first Chief of Police in 1837; he was John B. Lishk. There are no known records that tell how large the police department was at this time, but Lishk may have been the only officer.

Peoria was incorporated as a city on April 21, 1845. This was the end of the village presidency and the beginning of the mayoral system. The first mayor was a man named William Hale. With this new system came the replacement of the Chief of Police each time a new mayor took office.

Peoria was the county seat. By 1849, criminal activity had increased to the point that there was a need for a larger jail. The city and county officials decided to cooperate and consolidate their detention facilities, much as they do today. The building was erected on the corner of Washington and Fayette Streets (which is now Washington and Eaton Streets). An outstanding structure for its time, the new jail became known as the Sheriff's Mansion . The front of this structure was brick, with the remainder made of stone. In the front portion of this building was the sheriff's quarters and office; the jail was in the rear. Cells lined both walls along a hallway, with each cell having its own barred window. The second floor was one large cell that was used for people who refused or were unable to pay their debts. When the practice of debtors prison became unlawful, this area was used to house female prisoners.

A City Hall was built in 1859, at Fulton and Madison Streets. This was a two story structure that housed the city offices and a fire station, and in the rear, a small jail. Court was held on the second floor in a building across the alley from this jail, so a bridge was built on the second-floor level of the City Hall connecting the two. Because the prisoners walked this open bridge in all weather, it became known as the Bridge of Sighs.

The police department got its first authorized badge in 1862. This badge, designed by J. Marshal Guill, was a star that was engraved Peoria Police; there were no numbers on it. Before this time, only the early town marshal badges had been used.

On August 29, 1863, the Peoria Daily Transcript, one of the better newspapers of the time, ran a story saying that the City of Peoria had refused to aid the military in holding deserters. No other information seems to be available on this issue.

According to the Peoria Daily Transcript's October 15, 1863 account, the police department consisted of a Superintendent, two Captains, five day Patrolmen and eight night Patrolmen. At this time membership on the police department was by Mayoral appointment.

By 1867, Peoria had extended its northern and southern boundaries. Superintendent of Police John W. Kimsey felt the need for an additional jail. According to reports, he felt that if a person was arrested in the southern portion of the city, the walk to the existing jail would be too far. Because of his feeling, the number four firehouse on Meyer Avenue was converted and used as a sub-station, handling the southern portion of the city. As there were no telephones or patrol wagons in use, an officer making an arrest and needing transportation could stop any wagon and use it to transport his prisoner. The city would pay fifty cents for each person carried and a rumor of the time suggested that one certain man always followed a certain policeman when he was on duty; however, there are no records showing anyone who became wealthy doing this. Firehouse number four's name was officially changed to Lower Station, and the first night Captain was placed in charge from 6:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m., with an assistant taking over during the day shift.

During the time Kimsey was the Superintendent, he introduced the first patrol wagon which was a horse drawn open bed wagon used to transport prisoners. Kimsey also introduced the crossing policemen, as the wagon and horse traffic was making downtown street crossings difficult to negotiate.

In 1878, Mayor John Warner appointed Martin C. Dailey as Superintendent of Police; he also appointed the captain. During Dailey's stay, the city and county decided to occupy the inmates' time with constructive activity, so a workhouse was built to house them. This was a two story brick building located on a tract of land adjoining the waterworks. The land was six and one- fourth acres, and the building cost eighteen thousand dollars, of which the city paid ten thousand dollars. This building was occupied on the 9th day of April, 1879. This workhouse housed the prisoners that were considered more reliable and trustworthy, and these men did road work and cut weeds for both the city and the county.

The beginning of the 1880's brought another new badge design. This badge was similar to the one that is in use today, except that the entire badge was hand engraved whereas the one today is stamped.

After being out of office a short time, John Warner was again elected as Mayor in 1884. He returned Daily to office as Superintendent of Police. This repetitive turnover was all part of the times; the Mayor could appoint anyone he wanted in the entire police department. Usually, the only officers that were removed from their jobs when the administration changed were the command. At this time, the department totaled forty men.

Henry C. Lincoln became Superintendent of Police in 1886, under the administration of Mayor Kimsey. During his time in office, Kimsey introduced the first patrol box in Peoria. This was used by the beat policeman to check in with headquarters at intervals to see if there were any calls for him to take.

John Warner became Mayor in 1888, and he brought Martin Dailey back to head the department. Warner made Thomas N. Gorman the Day Captain, a man who later became a member of the State Legislature and a powerful man in Illinois politics.

Superintendent of Police, Charles F. Flynn, in 1890, introduced something new and different to the Peoria Police Department, that being a matron. This first matron, Mrs. Albina Banett, had the duties of handling all female prisoners, and working with children who came in contact with the police. Also in 1890, another badge was adopted, this one being a six pointed star with the numbers and letters stamped into the metal.

When Thomas P. Hayden was appointed as Superintendent of Police in 1892, he made Andrew J. Mooney the first Chief of Detectives and Charles P. Sloan the first Sergeant on the Peoria Police Department. For some unknown reason there weren't any changes in the head posts for the next six years; this leads one to believe the department was doing the kind of job the people of the city wanted.

By 1897, the people felt a new City Hall was needed, so the one that is still standing today was built. This building and its furnishings cost about two hundred and forty thousand dollars. There was a new jail built at the rear of this building, but no offices for the Police Department were included in this structure. This building and the jail behind it were dedicated January 5, 1899. For some reason, perhaps the financial cost, a patrol house was not built at the rear of this City Hall until 1907. The cost at that time was twenty-two thousand dollars. Between 1900 and 1907 the Police Department made their temporary patrol house out of the first floor of the old United Presbyterian Church building that was located on the corner of Madison Avenue and Liberty Street.

The year 1901 brought another new position to the Peoria Police Department, that being the rank of Lieutenant of Police. This job was first held by John J. Welsh.

Several changes and events occurred in 1903. When Edward N. Woodruff became the Mayor, he appointed William W. Rhoades as Superintendent of Police. Although the first black policeman was hired in the same year, there is no mention of his name. Manned by four policemen, the first ambulance, a horse drawn rig, appeared on Peoria's streets. Also in 1903, the first Peoria Police Officer to lose his life in the line of duty was killed. Detective William F. Murphy was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a John McCrea for stealing coal.

The department had grown considerably by 1906; the positions at that time included a Superintendent of Police, one Captain, one Lieutenant, three Sergeants (one Desk Officer and two Station House Sergeants), fifty-six Patrolmen, Four Detectives and one Matron. The annual salaries were $1500 for the Superintendent, $1200 for the Captain, $900 for the Lieutenant, and $600 for Patrolmen. It should be noted that at this time a Patrolman worked a twelve hour day, seven days a week with one day off per month. In 1906, there was no overtime pay and no uniform allowance. A starting patrolman was issued a badge (a large six pointed star with copper numbers), a nightstick, and a cell box key. The remainder of the uniform and equipment came out of his own pocket. In the Manual of Rules and Regulations for the Government of the Police Force it stated: "A Patrolman must constantly patrol his beat, pulling a box every hour, unless otherwise directed, and must not sit, lounge, loaf, or act the idler thereon."

Two major events occurred in 1907, one saddening, the other positive. On October 12, 1907, another Peoria Policeman was shot and killed in the line of duty; this was Patrolman Edward Barrett who was shot in the back of the head while investigating a burglary. The second development worthy of note was the establishment of an Identification Division. The Bertillan System of Classification was adopted for use. This system consisted of measuring the different parts of the body such as the head, arms, legs, the overall body height and several of the large bones. This information was then recorded and filed under similar likeness. With the new Identification Division came a new position, that being the Superintendent of Identification.

It was in 1909 that the police motorcycle came to Peoria for the first time. The first such motorcycle was an Excelsior one cylinder belt driven machine. Also in this year, the Superintendent of Police was for the first time authorized to have a secretary. The secretary was to be taken from the ranks, this creating another member for the department.

The citizens of the City of Peoria voted to adopt the Civil Service Act of the State of Illinois on April 12, 1910. This placed the Police Department under Civil Service. For the first time since the beginning of the department, the mayor no longer had the power to appoint the Board of Commissioners who, in turn, appointed the policemen.

The year 1911 heard the ringing of the New Year that lasted for some time. Peoria had installed the most complete Flash-Lite Gamewell Police Signal and Alarm System that had ever been installed in any city at that time. This system had an automatic gong and flashing bull's eye signal lamp on each call box, and from the downtown headquarters, the operator could summon the best officer for a message. The first motorized patrol wagon and ambulance were put into police service in Peoria this same year. These vehicles were manufactured by a local company, Glide's Manufacturing.

The Henry System of Fingerprint Identification was introduced in the Department in 1912, shortly after being introduced into this country. Still in use today, the system employs the use of fingerprints as a method of identifying suspects. By now comprised of some eighty-seven commissioned personnel, the Department faced a tragedy. On July 13, 1912, Sergeant James Skinner was shot and killed by Patrolman Harry Soper while the two were making an arrest.

For the next few years, very little changed other than the top command personnel. Every time a new mayor was elected, the occupants of these positions would invariably change.

More officers were hurt and killed in the line of duty. Patrolman Joseph H. Enos was shot and killed on January 12, 1916, when his service revolver fell from the seat of the ambulance and discharged. On January 24, of the same year, Officer Norman Gray was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a certain Harry King for burglary. November 28, 1917, saw still another officer killed. Patrolman Samuel Moffatt was shot while making an arrest for a holdup. Patrolman Frank Carr, while attempting to arrest a Peter Veilaha for murder, was slain October 5, 1918.

Financial news is available for the year 1919. Salaries on the Department had risen somewhat with the Superintendent making $2000 annually. Other interesting expenditures for the year included $2000 for prisoner meals, $2000 for gasoline, $2000 for auto repairs, $1500 for horse maintenance, $300 for telegraph and telephone expenses, and $150 for stationery.

A new badge was introduced in 1925. The new design was small and almost square but had no numbers of any kind upon it.

Accidents plagued the Department's members between 1927 and 1929. Patrolman James Walker, while on duty, lost control of his motorcycle on wet pavement and slid into the path of an oncoming car and was killed.

This accident happened at the intersection of Frye and Knoxville on July 7, 1927. On August 29, 1929, while patrolling in the riot car, Patrolman Arthur Aiello was involved in an accident with a bread truck at Spring and Northeast Jefferson Streets, which resulted in his death.

Another new badge entered the scene in 1931. This was a large badge with an eagle on top and copper identification numbers.

One of the bloodiest gun fights in the history of the Peoria Police Department occurred in a south side barber shop on November 15, 1933. Detective Robert E. Moran was shot several times by a man named Guy West. Moran was not killed instantly but died later.

In 1934, three advances came to the Police Department. Peoria became one of the first departments to employ two-way police radios. One radio was in each car and the other was at the main station. These radios were not purchased by the city, but rather, by the public. The members of the Department held a dance and the public was asked for donations. The proceeds were used to purchase the radio equipment. The year 1934 also marked the beginning of the Accident Investigation Squad; this was a unit created to handle all accidents and its members were highly trained for the period. The records system as we know it today also came into existence in 1934.

Two developments came in 1935. Prior to this year, the only female commissioned officers functioned as Matrons, but in 1935, Carrie Schunk became the first policewoman on the Peoria Police Department to serve in a capacity other than matron. In regard to salaries, the matron made less than the patrolmen, but more than the policewoman. There are no recorded job descriptions for either. The second development in 1935 was the introduction of a new badge. This badge is the same one that is being used today, making it the longest used badge in the department's history.

Professional training had its beginning in 1936. Charles Skins, the Chief of Detectives, was the first officer from the Peoria Police Department to be sent to the National Police Academy. This school was sponsored by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Department of Justice, in Washington, D.C. This school was designed to inform its students of the latest police methods. Also in 1936, the Peoria Police Department installed the Radio Telegraph Station.

The number of personnel on the Department and their salaries were increasing. In 1938, the Peoria Police Department consisted of Superintendent of Police Leo F. Kamins, One Secretary to the Superintendent, One Captain, One Superintendent of the Radio, one Superintendent of Identification, one Chief of Detectives, two Lieutenants, eight Sergeants, Fourteen Detectives, ninety-two First Class Patrolmen, four Second Class Patrolmen, two Policewomen, two Police Matrons, one Chief Operator and four Assistant Operators for a grand total of one hundred thirty-five commissioned personnel. The salary distribution for the same year was as follows: Superintendent, $3600, Captain, $2220, Secretary to the Superintendent, $2100; Chief of Detectives, $2100; Lieutenant, $1800; Superintendent of Identification, $1740; Sergeant, $1680; Detective, $1680; First Class Patrolman, $1620; Second Class Patrolman, $1560; Chief Operator, $1860; Assistant Operator, $1620; Matron, $1080; Assistant Matron, $960; and Policewoman, $960.

In 1939 more modernization ensued. The first in-service rookie training sessions were held for the Peoria Police Department. This training session consisted of a two-week period of time. In this year, the radio was given sufficient wattage so as to enable contact with all cities in the United States. It was during this period that the Public Administration Service began a survey of the Police Department in order to ascertain its needs.

In 1940 several more changes and innovations came into police operations. Based upon the survey and recommendations of the Public Administration Service, the Peoria Police Department was re-organized. The Department was broken down into six major divisions; the Administrative Division, consisting of the Superintendent and his staff; the Detective Division; the Patrol Division; the Traffic Division; the Records and Identification Division, and the Communications Division.

With the completion of this survey, intelligence tests were given to the entire Department; this ushered in competitive examinations for the personnel to head these new divisions. Following the Administration Service's recommendations, the new division positions were filled with the best qualified persons.

In addition to changes brought about by this survey, others were instituted in the same year. A central switchboard was installed in the Police Building, updating the communications system. White caps were adopted by the Traffic Division. The cap had been tried before but, for some reason, was abandoned. The rationale for utilizing the white cap was the safety of the officers, the white color being more readily identifiable and observable. This idea has continued through today.

The acquisition of a Juvenile Bureau and more vehicles seem to be the highlights of 1945. The Juvenile Bureau was established in this year as a part of the Detective Division. Although located there, it nonetheless worked independently of that Division. By 1945, the Department had acquired twenty-one vehicles for police duties. These included thirteen patrol cars, one tow car, one patrol wagon (for prisoners), and six motorcycles (for use by the Traffic Division).

In 1947, another policeman was killed in the line of duty. On August 26 of that year, Patrolman John D. Cussen was shot and killed by Edward R. Hendren while Cussen was checking the man's identity. According to the report, Hendren, who was standing outside the patrol car, opened the rear door and shot Cussen in the back.

Very little changed over the next few years except for the people occupying the command positions. According to the records, several unnecessary positions were eliminated by 1953. The remaining positions and their respective salaries for 1953, were as follows: Superintendent of Police, $6240; Captains, $4980; Lieutenants, $4620; Sergeants, $4332; Detectives, $4224; First Class Patrolman, $4080; Second Class Patrolman, $3980; Third Class Patrolman, $3680; and Policewoman and Matrons, $3360. Also in 1953, another life was lost in the line of duty. On September 17, Patrolman Norval Wright was killed when the motorcycle he was riding was involved in an accident at Hamilton Boulevard and North Street. He was the last city officer killed in the line of duty up to the present day.

Another important date in the history of the Peoria Police Department was March 11, 1955. The city spent $85,000 to purchase a building at the corner of Southwest Adams and Walnut Streets and an additional $48,000 for remodeling and furnishing it. On March 11, the Peoria Police Department moved into its new home at that location. The building, a former train station of the Illinois Terminal Railroad, now housed a jail, police court, and office space for the policemen.

Peoria became the first city in the State of Illinois to use dogs for regular police work, when they adopted the idea in 1957. The Police Department bought and accepted donated German Shepherd dogs. The men who were to be their masters were sent to St. Louis for special training. When the men returned, the officers and their dogs were put to work. These dogs were and still are especially effective in building searches, tracking, and guard duty, although used in a variety of other ways. Although the original dogs and their handlers are no longer with the Department, other dogs and personnel still form an active K-9 unit.

In 1962, Peoria became the first city in the state to develop and operationalize the idea of the cooperative police officer. The cooperative police officer program was voted down by both the fire and police departments but was put into effect anyway. The CPO, as the cooperative police officer was called, while covering his assigned district of patrol, would respond to any fire calls in his area; he would put on his fire fighting clothes that were carried in his car and fight the fire alongside the firemen. The city fathers had felt this would be a savings as the policeman would replace one fireman on each unit of fire equipment. This program was to have negative repercussions as the two departments which had been on friendly terms, began finding fault with one another and any cooperative spirit resulted in bitterness and antagonism. This program, whether good or bad, continued until 1971, when the cooperative program was abandoned.

The Police Community Relations Program was developed as a pilot program in the Department in 1967. The operation was headed by Richard L. Penelton, a one-time police reporter for the Peoria Journal Star who gave up his newspaper position to direct the program. The Community Relations Program involved a two-way emphasis. On the one hand, it was designed to acquaint the community with the Police Department and its role in the city. On the other hand, it was also designed to keep the individual officers more aware of the total community and its strengths, and weaknesses and its citizens--not just the criminal element. The Community Relations Unit has become a vitally important part of the Police Department. In addition to the emergence of the Community Relations Program, also in 1967, William C. Helm became the first black to ever become a Captain in the Peoria Police Department.

Over the years, the size of the department had grown. In 1968, for example, the Peoria Police Department consisted of the following personnel: Director of Public Safety, Superintendent of Police, Director of Police Community Relations, six Captains, seven Lieutenants, eighteen Sergeants, nineteen Detective Sergeants, nine Policewomen, and one hundred twenty-seven Patrolmen.

In 1969, Mary A. Dunlavey became the first policewoman to attain the rank of Sergeant. Her new rank was not only a first for a female, but it also became the first time the patrolmen had a female as a supervisor. Since her appointment, one additional female has earned the rank of Sergeant of Police.

Three new ideas were adopted in 1970. The Peoria Police Department hired its first legal advisor, whose duty it was to advise officers in regard to any legal questions or problems arising in their normal course of work. A systems analyst was hired; it was his job to assist the department in its planning and in the best utilization of its manpower and resources. The third program initiated was done in conjunction with the public high schools. Known officially as School Liaison Officers, one such officer was assigned to each public high school for the purpose of counseling students with problems and developing channels of communication with the youth population.

Education and training are today a must for the professional officer. The Peoria Police Department and its command recognize this. In 1972, the department sent over two hundred officers to schools and workshops all over the country to improve their particular skills and update their knowledge in their fields so as to improve the quality of service given to the public citizenry. Furthering of the officers' general and liberal arts education at the nearby colleges and universities is also encouraged. The Peoria Police Department is proud of the fact that they have some of the finest and best trained men and women in policing patrolling the streets of Peoria and serving the public.

As of January 1, 1973, the Peoria Police Department consisted of the following personnel: A Superintendent of Police, one Legal Advisor, one Systems Analyst, six Captains, twelve Lieutenants, forty-three Sergeants, nine Detectives, one hundred forty-five Patrolmen, and six Policewomen. It may be noted here that the policewomen on the Peoria Police Department are setting examples for many departments across the nation as they work in the patrol units, covering the same districts and receiving the same pay as the men do for the same job.

In about the mid 1970's The Peoria Police Department changed from light blue shirts to dark blue as part of the uniform. The white hat's were wore by Officers assigned to the Traffic Division. Pictured here from left to right are Sergeant David Horner of the K-Nine Division, Officer James Bridges, and Officer John Fiers. At the time of this picture Captain Fiers was an officer in the traffic division as was Officer Bridges. James Bridges was later promoted to Sergeant and John Fiers was promoted to Captain after serving in the ranks of Sergeant, and Lieutenant.

In the late 1970's most police officers were military veterans with high school education and military service. The education revolution in Law Enforcement in the late 1970's was beginning. LEAA grants, money from the Omnibus Crime Bill, and other avenues opened for Officers seeking to further their education. In 1971, Bradley University following the lead of Junior Colleges, initiated the Bachelor of Science program in "Administration of Criminal Justice". In 1972 Bradley University expanded their program to junior college campuses to attract more students.

In 1976, six (6) Peoria Police Officers received their Bachelor of Science degree's from Bradley University. Our current Police Chief, John W. Stenson, was one of the first graduates of that program.

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Peoria Dedicates New Police Headquarters

The men and women of the Peoria Police Department proudly moved into their new headquarters in April, 1994. The $6 million facility is Peoria's seventh police headquarters since the city was chartered in 1845.

The department had long outgrown its previous facility — a former train depot renovated into a police station in 1954. According to Bob Piercy, President, Peoria Police Benevolent Association, "For many of us, this new home is something we did not think we would ever see in our careers."

When the income tax surcharge was instituted, Peoria's City Council dedicated a portion of its allocation for the new facility. Municipal taxes from the Par-A-Dice gaming boat provided the remainder of the funding.

Named one of the top six criminal justice facilities in the nation by the American Institute of Architects, the building's design fosters an open and welcoming atmosphere. Features include a 50 seat community/training room, an enclosed sally port, an in-house crime lab, and closed circuit monitoring of all entrances. Locker rooms, shower facilities, and a physical workout area are also available for use by department personnel.

Dedication ceremonies on May 14 included the first ceremonial parade of the department in 50 years and testimonials by numerous Peoria dignitaries. Ray LaHood, representing Peoria's Congressman Robert H. Michel, House Minority Leader, presented the department with a United States flag which had flown over the capitol.

According to Peoria Mayor Jim Maloof, "Dedication of the headquarters marks a new era of safety and protection for our children and our children's children. The city is committed to providing the men and women of the police department with the finest facility and equipment possible as they work to make our community safe for all of our citizens and a model for the nation."

The facility was designed by the Peoria firm of Phillips Swager Associates - architects. Prime contractors were William Brothers Construction, Foster-Jacob Electrical, and Illinois Piping. Construction management was provided by CPMI, Inc. The city's Department of Public Works was responsible for project management.

The Peoria Police Department consists of 218 commissioned and 44 non-commissioned personnel. The department's 1994 operating budget is $13 million.

The Officers of the Peoria Police Department are some of the best qualified men and women in the field of law enforcement today and what they accomplish, or fail to accomplish, will undoubtedly create interesting history in the future.

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PEORIA POLICE DEPARTMENT HISTORY SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS

1835

• Peoria incorporated as a Village with a Town Marshal

1837

• John B. Lisk appointed as first police Chief by President of the Trustees of the town of Peoria George F. Parker

1845

• Peoria incorporated as a city, Police Officers wore Town Marshal badges
• First Station House: City/County Jail Established in 100 NE Monroe

1849

• Second Station House: City/county Jail and workhouse, Washington and Eaton Streets

1859

• Third Station House: First City Hall Located at Madison and Fulton

1862

• First Peoria police badge authorized Star with "Peoria Police" hand engraved after designed by J. Marshall Guill

1867

• Superintendent of Police was John W. Kimsey
• First traffic police known as "Crossing Police" hired due to increased horse and wagon use

1878

• First patrol box used by beat officers to check in with headquarters

1890

• First police matron hired to handle female prisoners and juveniles

1899

• Fourth Station House: Police Department housed at United Presbyterian Church, Madison and Liberty Streets

1903

• First black police officer appointed - Henry C. Gibson

1907

• Fifth Station house
• Current City Hall At Fulton and Madison

1909

• First police motorcycle purchased and Excelsior 1 cylinder, belt driven model

1910

• Peoria City adopted civil service act

1911

• First motorized patrol wagon put into service
• First motorized ambulance put into service

1911

• Henry System of fingerprint Identification adopted

1934

• Peoria Police install two-way police radios and is among the first departments in the nation to do so

1935

• First female police officer hired with full duties and later became the first female to attain the rank of Sergeant - Carrie Schunk
• Present badge adopted

1939

• Department began in-service rookie training

1955

• Sixth station house: 542 SW Adams Street (a renovated train depot)

1956

• Peoria first police department in Illinois to utilize police dogs

1967

• First black police captain appointed who was also the first black lieutenant to be promoted - Captain William Helms

1969

• Second female officer to be promoted to Sergeant - Mary A. Dunlavey

1970

• Officer Marian Sleeth named as the State of Illinois Policewoman of the Year
• First female Lieutenant and Captain Mary Anne Dunlavey

1975

• Computer assisted dispatching begun under direction of Chief Allen H. Andrews, Jr.

1991-1997

• Chief Allen H. Andrews Jr. retires after Serving as Superintendent of Police/ Police Chief for more than 20 years and was intermittently Director of Public Safety which oversaw both the Police Department and Fire Department
• During the years of 1991 - 1997 there were a host of Police Chiefs who include Sal Pisano, William Miller, Aubrey Moore, Kieth Rippy, Paul Bazzano, and Arthur Kelly. During this period we adopted the ideal of "Building a Partnership" and getting into the concept of "Community Police". Neighborhood committees formed and assisted in patrolling their neighborhoods, citizens police academy's formed, Neighborhood Police Officers grew out of the patrol division to improve the quality of life within our neighborhoods. It was also found that strict enforcement of traffic laws reduced crime in general and hence a document entitled "The Peoria Experience" was produced.

1992

• Command structure changed from five captains to 3 captains and 2 assistant police Chiefs
• Community Policing Initiated and Neighborhood Officer Division Formed
• Community Area Target Team Established
• Computerized mobile data terminals installed in squad cars

1996

• A four Officer Gang Unit was formed as a part of the Community Policing Program with the assistance of Federal Funding

1997

• John W. Stenson and Michael Button promoted from Captain to the position of Assistant Police Chief.
• John W. Stenson appointed to position Chief of Police after working his way up the ladder from patrol officer to Chief of Police through many years of extreme dedication and courage
• Museum of Peoria Police Department initiated and established by Lt. Gary Poynter, who was later promoted to Captain
• Peoria Police Department Website developed by Management Analyst - James C. Hurban under the authority Chief Arthur Kelly
• Internet access begins and we begin worldwide networking with other police agencies and governmental agencies with the expertise of Dr. Ronald Henson and James Hurbin

Website Development Information/Credits (1997-2007)

Steve M. Settingsgaard
Chief of Police May 2005 - Current

Gary W. Poynter
Chief of Police June 2004 - Retired May 2005

John W. Stenson
Chief of Police 1998 - Retired June 2004

Michael Button
Deputy Police Chief 1998 - July 1, 2002

Web Developer and First Webmaster:
James C. Hurban, Peoria Police Department Management Analyst,1997

Fiscal Services
Marsha Walraven

Arthur Kelly
Chief of Police in 1997

Assistant Chief John W. Stenson
Assistant Chief Michael Button

Second Webmaster:  1997 - 1999
Ronald H. Henson, Strategic Planning Manager

Third Webmaster and Additional Web Development / Web Team:  1999 - Current
Officer/Sergeant Joseph S. Benko, Deb Lonsdale, Sgt./ Lt. Thomas Larson, Officer Jim Roland, Nina Wight, Joyce Jackson, Diana Delicath, Officer David Knauss, Captain Lisa Snow, Kathy Cusack, Lil Hoskins, James Feehan, Buzz Hlavacek, and Matthew West

Historical Page
Lt. Russell Hawks, Captain Gary Poynter, Officer Donald Sier, Captain John Fiers, S. Elizabeth Buck

Historical Pictures
Captain Gary Poynter and families of the Officers
Leslie A. Williams-Fark (Journal Star) and Fred Zwicky (Journal Star), and Norm Kelly

In Memoriam Page
Sergeant Steve Cover, Sergeant Michael Eddlemon, Officer Darrell Fuchs, Jennifer Fuchs, Wayne Pullen, Detective James Feehan, Officer Joe Benko, Norman V. Kelly book author - Officer Down, Leslie A. Williams, and Fred Zwicky (Journal Star) and The Families of the Fallen Officers

Community Services Page
Ret. Sergeant Sammy J Hoskins, Ret. Officer Elizabeth Ann Ruggles, Officer Joe Benko, Ret. Officer Tommie Moton, Officer Michael Perkins, Ret. Officer David Knauss, Officer Michael Ott, Ret. Officer John Mingus, Officer Lisa Ptasnik, Officer Darrell Fuchs, Janet Tomlin and Debra Beck-City of Peoria Human Resources Department

Training and Internship
Deb Lonsdale, Lieutenant Tom Larson, Officer Jim Roland, Mrs. Nina Wight, Duane Otey, Ron Henson, Officer Joe Benko, Officer David Knauss, Officer Darrell Fuchs and many others...

Yearly Report
Chief John W. Stenson, Deputy Chief Michael Button, Aloysea George, Joyce Jackson, Officer Joe Benko

Crime Stats
Ronald H. Henson, Officer Joe Benko, Information Systems Personnel- Cathy Roger, Michael King, Kevin Kinne, Rae Craft, Beverly Springer, Don Best, Dino Bigliazzi, Jim Bolt, Mike Mason, Martha Hammer - Records Administrator, Application Data Systems, Inc., Cyberscience, Doug Ward - Strategic Planning Manger (he puts them all together)

Records
Martha Hammer - Records Administrator, Maudine Cox, Patricia Jordan, Alice Simmons, Pearl Brown

Photography
Officer Loren Marion Jr. Officer David Knauss, Officer John Mattern, Michael King, Officer Greg Metz, Officer Randy Schweigert, Officer Matthew West, Fred Zwicky (Journal Star)

Maps
Olajide ('Jide) Giwa, Ross Black, and Ashley Adair Enter - Planning and Growth

Training And Instruction
Professional Development Institute with Instructions and directions from Nicole Mauser-Storer and Frank Thomas

CompuMaster

Microsoft Help Center and Knowledge Base

www.neondsl.com

Tools Used:
Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, Front Page, Selteco Menu Maker, Adobe Acrobat 4.0, HTML, iPhoto, XML, Coffee Cup Products, Netscape, Internet Explorer, Photo Express Studio, Serif, Adobe Flash, Adobe Acrobat Series, Science and Art of Colors, many computers

Computer Crimes
Detective(s) Wayne Lapen and James Feehan

NEAT/POP
Lt. Ron Shipp, Sgt. Dale Whitledge, Officer(s) Phil Fisher, Jeff Kice, Vera Fernandes, Paul Tuttle, Lt. Lisa Snow, Lt. Robert Baer

Website Hosts
Midwest Internet
Neon DSL
The City of Peoria Residents, Employees, Visitors, Friends, and many others...

1998

• Police squad car take on a different design
• Laptop computers purchased to replace computerized MDT in squad cars

1999

• Commemorative badge issued in honor and memory of officers killed while on duty/in the line of duty and as we approach our 165th Anniversary in the year 2000
• Captain Daniel D. Dickerson was Promoted to Assistant Chief of Operations
• Laptop computers installed in squad cars
• The Community Area Target Team (CATT) and Gang Unit merged to form the Street Crimes Unit
• Department consists of 1 Chief of Police, 2 assistant chiefs, 3 captains, 10 lieutenants, 33 sergeants,186 officers (includes 10 Traffic Officers, 12 Street Crimes Officers, 6 PHA Officers,11 Neighborhood Officers,5 DARE Officers,15 Property & Violent Crimes Detectives, 12 Juvenile Detectives, 11 Special Investigation Detectives), 49 civilian personnel serving an area of approximately 24 square miles with 119,237 residents

2000

• Laptop Computers added to the Squad Fleet and Integration to the Illinois Wireless Information Network
• In Car Video Camera's added to the Fleet

2001

• The Police Department begins Re-organization Implementation and Re-districting to increase police presence and better serve the community
• Organizational Structure Change Introduced
• Department consists of 1 Chief of Police, 1 Deputy Chief, 3 Captains, 11 Lieutenants, 35 Sergeants, 192 Officers (includes 10 Traffic Officers, 12 Street Crimes Officers, 11 Neighborhood Officers, 5 DARE Officers, 15 Property & Violent Crimes Detectives, 12 Juvenile Detectives, 11 Special Investigation Detectives), 52 civilian personnel serving an area of approximately 44 square miles with 119,237 residents

2002 - 2004

• Proceeding and successful with Wireless CAD and Field Report Writing
• 2003 Organizational Structure Change Introduced
• Department consists of 1 Chief of Police, 3 Captains, 10 Lieutenants, 35 Sergeants, 187 Officers (includes 10 Traffic Officers, 6 Street Crimes Officers, 4 Neighborhood Enhancement Action Team Officers, 10 Neighborhood Crime Reduction Control (POP) Officers, 1 Community Services Officer, 15 Property & Violent Crimes Detectives, 12 Juvenile Detectives, 11 Special Investigation Detectives, 1 Public Information officer, 1 Administrative Aide Officer, and 6 Officers assigned to various multi-jurisdictional task forces), 40 civilian personnel serving an area of approximately 44 square miles with 112,300 residents, 356,000 residents in the tri-county area and ideas for more.

April 30, 2004

Chief John W. Stenson retires and Captian Gary Poynter is appointed as Interim Chief of Police. Upon the retirement of Chief of Police John W. Stenson on April 30th, 2004 we are honored to have Gary Poynter as the Chief of Police. Chief Gary Poynter started his career on the Peoria Police Department on December 28, 1964. He had served our Country in the US Armed Forces, graduated from Bradley University, and many other leadership/academic schools. He served in virtually all positions on the police department. He has held the ranks of Officer, Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and was promoted to Captain in 1999. He has truly gifted the Department with his innovative and proactive ideas, dedication to duty, and an immeasurable compassion for all.

March 3, 2005

AVL/GPS software installed and testing in the mobile data computers began last month. Computer assisted dispatching (CAD) and AVL/GPS integration software in the works. Remote records management system and CAD interface, IWIN communication and data sharing continues to work well, overall, with pushing and pulling of information, communication systems holding up well with all the information we exchange on a daily basis to various. Mobil Capture/Accident/Citation Reporting system working and improving daily for direct entry of CRASH data into one database working well.

May 2, 2005

Steve M. Settingsgaard from Milwaukee, Wisconsin Police Department is sworn in as the Chief of Police.

PEORIA SELECTS A NEW POLICE CHIEF (NEWS RELEASE)

(Adapted for website format)

Date: March 9, 2005

Released by: Alma Brown, Public Information Officer, 494-8554

Subject: PEORIA SELECTS A NEW POLICE CHIEF

Steven Settingsgaard, a 44 year old Inspector of the Criminal Investigations Bureau in Milwaukee, Wisconsin has been selected as Peoria’s new Police Chief. He will start working in Peoria on Monday, May 2, 2005. City Manager Randy Oliver stated, “Steven Settingsgaard had the unanimous support of the selection committee and we are very excited about the strength he will bring to the Management team of the Police Department and the
City of Peoria.”

Settingsgaard comes to the City of Peoria highly recommended from the Milwaukee Police Department and union representatives, with a strong background in a large agency. He has worked for the Milwaukee Police Department for the past 25 years. He has been assigned to patrol, special operations and internal affairs. He currently is responsible for the supervision of the Criminal Investigations Bureau in Milwaukee.
Settingsgaard stated, “I am honored and privileged to be selected for the position of Chief of Police in Peoria. I am grateful to the City Manager and his entire selection team for having enough confidence in my abilities to trust me with such an important responsibility. The Peoria Police Department is clearly a
progressive law enforcement agency and has prospered under the direction of Chief Poynter, whose leadership has created an environment that would be the envy of any prospective chief. His effective management has truly provided a solid foundation from which I can build. I have had the pleasure of meeting several officers, supervisors, and other staff members and I am thoroughly impressed with their level of professionalism.

My wife and I have visited the City and found it to be warm, inviting, and beautiful. We anticipate being quite comfortable there, as the City reminds us very much of home. While we are anxious about leaving our friends and family in Milwaukee, we are eager to build a new life in Peoria. As the Chief, I can promise you that I will serve with integrity and energy, and commit to providing the best possible police service to the citizens of Peoria. I look forward to meeting the men and women of the Peoria Police Department
as well as all members of the community to which my family and I will soon
belong.”

Mr. Settingsgaard is a graduate of Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin. He is also a graduate of Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command. He is currently working on a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.

Mr. Settingsgaard will receive an annual salary of $110,000.