So what are the specifics of the new crime fighting task force the Peoria Mayor referred to during last week's State of the City address? Police Chief Steve Settingsgaard says both the city and Peoria County will team up with state and federal law enforcement and county, state and federal prosecutors all with the purpose of bringing down major criminals.
The Mayor's message used the tragic death of a 8 year old boy in 2011 as the catalyst for this task force. Albert Billups was killed when a stray drive-by shooting bullet, entered his home and struck him while he was sleeping. Settingsgaard says in many gun violence cases such as this one, officers have a good idea who did the crime, but it's tough to pin it on them.
Settingsgaard says the more the merrier, when it comes to law enforcement agencies teaming up. General task force planning meetings have already been held. Settingsgaard says this new program is not that far away from being implemented.
