Peoria County Public Safety & Justice Committee

The Peoria County Public Safety & Justice Committee met on May 5, 2026, to discuss several public safety and justice-related updates and initiatives. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the coroner's office, including a proposal to purchase an in-house toxicology machine to reduce turnaround times and costs associated with sending toxicology tests out to external labs. The committee was informed about a pending Department of Justice grant application to fund this equipment, which could save the county nearly $4,800 annually and generate revenue by charging other counties for services. The discussion included technical details about the machine, its operation, and potential budget impacts for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, the public defender's office reported on staffing challenges and increasing caseloads, highlighting the need for additional attorneys and potential grant opportunities to address workload increases. The meeting also covered updates from the Peoria County Animal Protection Services (PCAPS), including a new foster program, an upcoming vaccine and microchip clinic, and a $4,000 community outreach grant. The committee approved a resolution to update the PCAPS fee ordinance to reflect recent fee changes. Overall, the meeting addressed procurement considerations related to capital equipment acquisition, budget planning, and grant funding to support public safety operations.