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New Resident Officer Moves Into East Bluff

Neighbors lined up at the East Bluff Community Center to welcome new resident officer Jerry James Jr.
East Bluff Community Center
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Neighbors lined up at the East Bluff Community Center to welcome new resident officer Jerry James Jr.

A new resident police officer has moved into the East Bluff.

Neighbors lined up at the East Bluff Community Center to welcome new resident officer Jerry James Jr.
Credit East Bluff Community Center / Facebook
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Facebook
Neighbors lined up at the East Bluff Community Center to welcome new resident officer Jerry James Jr.

Peoria native Jerry James Jr. spent the past four years as a patrol officer. James said his new position allows him to get to know people outside of a bad situation and remind community members that he’s human, just like them.

“It gives me a chance to build a rapport or a relationship with that person and listen to them — not to just take the call, do what I can do immediately and then go my way,” he said. “This gives me a chance to go that extra mile.”

Before joining the Peoria Police Department, James spent over 10 years working with kids as a coach and substitute teacher at Richwoods High School, his alma mater. He’s also worked with at-risk youth at the Children's Home and Redeploy Services.

James said he’s very familiar with the area, having spent his childhood in a home just on the other side of Nebraska Ave. Still, he said, it may take some adjusting.

“The East Bluff is a big area. Just being able to try to get to every situation and person may prove a little challenging,” he said. “But on the other side of that, if I’m using my resources within my department and [the community organizations], I think that’s something we can reach.”

Peoria’s resident officer program started in 2013. James is one of four currently placed in neighborhoods throughout the city.  He replaced long-time East Bluff resident officer Carey Hightower, who is nearing retirement.

James moved into the residence at 1839 N. Wisconsin Ave. — where he’ll stay for at least the next three years — earlier this month. He spent the first few weeks unpacking, meeting with city council and putting a name to a face with people in the neighborhood.

James said community members in need are welcome to visit him at the residence. His cell phone number is also posted on-site for neighbors to call or text.

Copyright 2021 WCBU. To see more, visit WCBU.

Dana Vollmer is a reporter with WGLT. Dana previously covered the state Capitol for NPR Illinois and Peoria for WCBU.