Key Takeaways
- Brad Dixon, a 25‑year veteran of the Peoria Police Department, will become the next police chief after Eric Echevarria’s retirement.
- Dixon initially had no interest in promotions but was encouraged by respected supervisors to take the sergeant exam.
- He plans to continue Echevarria’s technology‑forward initiatives, including license‑plate readers, upgraded cell phones, and drone use.
- Dixon credits the department’s rank‑and‑file officers for recent drops in violent crime and stresses community‑based policing as the foundation of trust.
- Lower crime levels may allow resources to be redirected toward solving cold cases and addressing neighborhood traffic concerns.
- Serving as an assistant under Echevarria provided Dixon with valuable external perspectives that shaped his leadership approach.
Announcement of New Police Chief
Peoria officials confirmed that Brad Dixon, a 49‑year‑old veteran officer, will assume the position of police chief effective next month, succeeding Eric Echevarria, who is retiring after close to five years in the role. Dixon’s promotion was announced in a WMBD interview the day after the decision was made public, marking a significant milestone in a career that began over two decades ago. The selection reflects the department’s confidence in Dixon’s ability to lead through a period of technological advancement and community engagement, while maintaining the core values that have guided the Peoria Police Department for generations.
Early Career and Reluctance Toward Promotion
Dixon joined the Peoria Police Department in March 2001 and immediately found joy in patrol work, particularly on the fast‑paced second shift where he bonded with younger officers and enjoyed the camaraderie of the team. He openly admitted that, early in his career, he never imagined taking a promotion test, let alone aspiring to become chief. “To be honest with you, I never thought I would take a single promotion test when I was an officer,” Dixon said, highlighting his contentment with the hands‑on, day‑to‑day responsibilities of patrol and investigative units such as street crimes and the Target Offender team.
Decision to Pursue a Supervisory Role
Although Dixon initially lacked interest in moving up the ranks, a turning point came when respected supervisors approached him and encouraged him to sit for the sergeant examination. Their confidence in his abilities and leadership potential convinced him to test the waters, and he successfully passed, opening the door to further advancement. This experience underscored the importance of mentorship within the department and demonstrated how peer encouragement can redirect an officer’s career trajectory toward greater responsibility.
Scope of the New Chief’s Responsibilities
As chief, Dixon will oversee a department of roughly 250 sworn and civilian employees, managing everything from patrol operations to administrative functions. He emphasized that his role involves setting strategic direction while relying on the expertise and dedication of the officers who execute the work on the ground. Dixon’s leadership will balance departmental goals with the day‑to‑day realities faced by those responding to calls, conducting investigations, and engaging with the community.
Continuing Technology‑Forward Initiatives
Building on the legacy of outgoing Chief Eric Echevarria, Dixon pledged to keep pushing the boundaries of police technology. He highlighted ongoing efforts to expand the use of license‑plate reader cameras, equip officers with modern cell phones, and integrate drones for surveillance and situational awareness. Dixon argued that leveraging a diverse toolbox of technological resources is essential for effective policing in an increasingly complex environment, and he intends to keep the Peoria Police Department at the forefront of innovation.
Officers, Community Policing, and Crime Reduction
Dixon was quick to credit the rank‑and‑file officers for the recent decline in violent crime, asserting that strategic direction from command is meaningless without the hard work of those on the street. He described community‑based policing as a cornerstone of his philosophy, advocating that officers should go out to meet residents rather than waiting for the community to come to the department. This approach, he said, builds trust, integrity, and transparency—key elements for acknowledging successes and owning shortcomings when they occur.
Addressing Cold Cases and Resource Allocation
With violent crime trending downward, Dixon hopes to reallocate some resources toward revisiting older, unsolved cases in an effort to bring closure to affected families. He explained that a lower overall crime rate creates the bandwidth necessary to dedicate investigative time to cold cases, allowing detectives to apply fresh perspectives and emerging technologies. This focus reflects a broader commitment to justice that extends beyond immediate crime prevention to long‑term resolution for victims and their loved ones.
Traffic Safety and Neighborhood Concerns
Traffic remains a prominent concern for Peoria residents, particularly perceptions of excessive speeding in neighborhoods. Dixon warned that the department will increase its traffic presence, deploying additional officers to monitor speed and enforce compliance. By “beefing up” traffic enforcement, he aims to curb dangerous driving habits and improve safety on local streets, directly responding to community feedback heard at neighborhood meetings.
Mentorship Under Former Chief Echevarria and Closing Thoughts
Serving as an assistant chief under Eric Echevarria provided Dixon with an invaluable external viewpoint, as Echevarria—hired from outside the department—brought fresh perspectives that Dixon had not previously considered. Dixon expressed gratitude for the mentorship, noting that he learned to see organizational challenges and opportunities through a different lens. While he lamented Echevarria’s impending retirement, he wished his predecessor a fulfilling future and affirmed his commitment to building upon the foundation laid during his predecessor’s tenure.
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