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.

Tours for municipal officials can be arranged by contacting the Peoria Police Department administrative offices, (309) 494-8318.

June 1994 / Illinois Municipal Review / page 17