Peoria’s Police Chief is resigning. Steve Settingaard is leaving to take a job as Caterpillar’s North America Regional Security Director. He’s been Peoria’s Chief of Police for more than nine years.
In that time, he helped launch the Don’t Shoot program that aims to reduce gun violence in the city. But Settingsgaard and the police department have also been criticized for their handling of various cases including the investigation into a fake Peoria Mayor Twitter account.
Still, Peoria City Manager Patrick Urich says Settingsgaard has been a great police chief:
"He has been a dedicated public servant who has made great strides in helping to professionalize the department to help to address public safety in our community. The Don't Shoot effort wouldn't be where we are today without his efforts and involvement, so he's going to be sorely missed from my perspective," says Urich.
Urich says the city begins the replacement search immediately.
Settingsgaard’s last day on the job is June 15th. Assistant Chief Jerry Mitchell will take over as interim Police Chief.