News
Jerry Mitchell named Peoria police chief
- Details
- Published on Wednesday, 17 September 2014 17:34
- Written by Paul Gordon
The City of Peoria decided to stay in house for its new police chief this time around. Jerry Mitchell, interim chief since Steve Settingsgaard left in June, was named chief on Wednesday.
Mitchell has been on the Peoria Police force for nearly 24 years.
“Initially, we intended to undergo a national search for the next police chief,” said City Manager Patrick Urich. “However, after discussing what we were looking for in a police chief with the recruiter, and watching Chief Mitchell lead the organization during this interim period, it became apparent that we had the best candidate for the position right here in this building.”
Added Mayor Jim Ardis, “The elected officials are very pleased that the City Manager has decided to hire from within the organization. That is a testament to the fine men and women of the Peoria Police Department and the leadership that Chief Mitchell has exhibited during this interim period.”
A Peorian for nearly 30 years, Chief Mitchell began his career with the Peoria Police Department as a Police Recruit in October of 1990 and advanced to the rank of Police Officer in October of 1991. He progressed through the ranks, attaining the rank of sergeant in September of 1999, lieutenant in September of 2008, captain in November of 2009 and assistant chief in May of 2013.
Mitchell has served in the Training, Patrol, Vice and Narcotics, Information, Field Training, and Support Services divisions while with the department. He is on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Crisis Negotiators Association, has served on the Peoria Police Department Pension Board, and is a member of the International Association of Hostage Negotiators.
Mitchell graduated from Bradley University in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration of Criminal Justice and Sociology. He is active in the community, coaching the Peoria Girls Sports League youth softball travel team and Peoria Park District youth baseball league.
Mitchell will receive an annual salary of $151,767.
Settingsgaard was police chief for nine years, coming to Peoria from Milwaukee. He resigned to take the position of head of security for the North America region for Caterpillar Inc.
