NEWS RELEASE 
 (Adapted for website format)

Date:   March 9, 2005 
 

Released by:  Alma Brown, Public Information Officer, 494-8554 
 

Subject:  PEORIA SELECTS A NEW POLICE CHIEF 
 

        Steven Settingsgaard, a 44 year old Inspector of the Criminal Investigations Bureau in Milwaukee, Wisconsin has been selected as Peoria’s new Police Chief.    He will start working in Peoria on Monday, May 2, 2005.  City Manager Randy Oliver stated, “Steven Settingsgaard had the unanimous support of the selection committee and we are very excited about the strength he will bring to the Management team of the Police Department and the  
City of Peoria.” 

         Settingsgaard comes to the City of Peoria highly recommended from the Milwaukee Police Department and union representatives, with a strong background in a large agency.  He has worked for the Milwaukee Police Department for the past 25 years.  He has been assigned to patrol, special operations and internal affairs.  He currently is responsible for the supervision of the Criminal Investigations Bureau in Milwaukee.
 
        Settingsgaard stated, “I am honored and privileged to be selected for the position of Chief of Police in Peoria. I am grateful to the City Manager and his entire selection team for having enough confidence in my abilities to trust me with such an important responsibility. The Peoria Police Department is clearly a  
progressive law enforcement agency and has prospered under the direction of Chief Poynter, whose leadership has created an environment that would be the envy of any prospective chief. His effective management has truly provided a solid foundation from which I can build. I have had the pleasure of meeting several officers, supervisors, and other staff members and I am thoroughly impressed with their level of professionalism. 

         My wife and I have visited the City and found it to be warm, inviting, and beautiful. We anticipate being quite comfortable there, as the City reminds us very much of home. While we are anxious about leaving our friends and family in Milwaukee, we are eager to build a new life in Peoria. As the Chief, I can promise you that I will serve with integrity and energy, and commit to providing the best possible police service to the citizens of Peoria. I look forward to meeting the men and women of the Peoria Police Department  
as well as all members of the community to which my family and I will soon  
belong.” 

         Mr. Settingsgaard is a graduate of Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin.  He is also a graduate of Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.  He is currently working on a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.   

        Mr. Settingsgaard will receive an annual salary of $110,000.