A step in the right direction
Posted: Mon Dec 11, 2023 5:30 pm
PEORIA (WEEK) - Peoria's new police chief hasn't been sworn in yet, but he's already getting out into the community.
Eric Echevarria said he arrived in Peoria Sunday night.
Monday, he took part in the southside clean up, which is part of neighborhood appreciation week.
The new chief arrives in the middle of an uptick in violent crime for the river city. He said the best way to fight that is to build trust.
"We're invested in the community," Echevarria said. "Were not just coming in, punching in and punching out. We want to be out in the community, letting people see us as people, not just as police officers, but as guardians of the community."
Echevarria will be sworn in as Peoria police chief Aug. 2.
Eric Echevarria said he arrived in Peoria Sunday night.
Monday, he took part in the southside clean up, which is part of neighborhood appreciation week.
The new chief arrives in the middle of an uptick in violent crime for the river city. He said the best way to fight that is to build trust.
"We're invested in the community," Echevarria said. "Were not just coming in, punching in and punching out. We want to be out in the community, letting people see us as people, not just as police officers, but as guardians of the community."
Echevarria will be sworn in as Peoria police chief Aug. 2.