A new era for the East Peoria Police Department has started with the Dec. 20 groundbreaking ceremony for its new police station. The new police headquarters will be located at 500 W. Camp St., across from the intersection of West Camp and Clock Tower Drive.

The $21.6 million state-of-the-art police facility will replace the current 6,000 square-foot police department portion of the Public Safety Building in use since 1987.

The two-story 38,000 square-foot station is expected to be complete in May 2026. Project collaborators are FGM Architects Inc., Fehr Graham Engineering & Environmental, and River City Construction.

This new facility will replace a station which the police department has outgrown. Police Chief David Catton said some of the building’s features include a larger evidence room, the ability to embrace new technology, room to accommodate today’s larger police force, and facilities for in-house training. Relocating away from the active rail line within feet of the current building is expected to result in faster police response times.

“The state-of-the-art police station will not only enhance our operational efficiencies within the department,” Catton said, “but will also foster a stronger connection within the community.”