Peoria, IL Crime Report 2026

Peoria has a safety score of 4/10 on the IllinoisCrime.com index, ranking #82 out of 102 Illinois counties. With 36.5 reported incidents per 1,000 residents, Peoria has a higher crime rate than the Illinois state average. Residents and visitors should be aware of elevated risk, particularly for theft and assault.

The most common crimes reported in Peoria are theft, assault, burglary. Overall crime is trending up +6.3% compared to the prior year, driven largely by increases in theft.

Peoria is the largest city in downstate Illinois with approximately 113,000 residents and serves as the economic and cultural hub of central Illinois. The city has faced significant crime challenges over the past decade, with a safety score of 4.0/10 and a violent crime rate well above the state average. Peoria's South Side has been particularly hard-hit by gun violence, while the North Peoria and Dunlap areas remain among the safest communities in central Illinois. The city is home to Caterpillar Inc.'s global headquarters, which has been a stabilizing economic force despite significant layoffs in recent years.

Peoria is served by the Peoria Police Department with approximately 260 sworn officers. Major employers include Caterpillar, OSF HealthCare, UnityPoint Health, and Illinois Central College. The 10th Judicial Circuit Court handles Peoria County criminal matters at the Peoria County Courthouse, 324 Main St. The Peoria County State's Attorney's Office has a dedicated gang and gun violence unit.

Peoria's elevated crime rate is driven by concentrated poverty on the South Side, active gang networks with ties to Chicago organizations, and a significant illegal firearms problem. Shootings increased 18% in 2026, with the MacArthur Highway and South Adams Street corridors accounting for a disproportionate share. The Main Street entertainment district sees elevated assault risk on weekend nights, and the East Bluff neighborhood has experienced a surge in residential burglaries.

Crime in Peoria is not evenly distributed — where you live or visit within the city matters enormously for your personal safety. Here is how Peoria's neighborhoods compare:

Based on Peoria's specific crime patterns and geography, here is what local law enforcement and safety experts recommend for residents and visitors:

• 1.

  Dunlap and North Peoria are the safest areas in the metro — crime rates in these communities are comparable to the safest Chicago suburbs

• 2.

  The South Side south of War Memorial Drive carries the highest violent crime risk in the city — avoid this area if you are unfamiliar with Peoria

• 3.

  The Main Street entertainment district is generally safe during evening hours but becomes higher-risk after midnight on weekends

• 4.

  Peoria has a ShotSpotter gunshot detection system on the South Side — police response in covered areas is faster than average

• 5.

  Vehicle break-ins are common in the East Bluff neighborhood — never leave valuables in your car and use a steering wheel club if parking overnight on the street

If you or a family member is arrested in Peoria (Peoria County), here is what to expect under Illinois law. The first 24 hours are critical — statements made before an attorney is present can be used against you.

1. 1.
   Arrest & Booking

   You will be taken to the Peoria Police Department for booking. This includes fingerprinting, photographing, and a background check. You have the right to remain silent — exercise it immediately and ask for an attorney.

2. 2.
   Bond Hearing

   Under the Illinois SAFE-T Act (effective September 2023), cash bail has been eliminated for most offenses. Within 48 hours, a judge will determine whether you are detained or released with conditions. Electronic monitoring is commonly used as an alternative to detention in Peoria County.

3. 3.
   Arraignment

   You will be formally charged and asked to enter a plea. This is where having a private defense attorney — rather than relying on an overloaded public defender — makes the biggest difference in your case outcome.

4. 4.
   Pretrial & Discovery

   Your attorney can challenge evidence, file motions to suppress, and negotiate with the Peoria County State's Attorney. Many cases are resolved at this stage without going to trial. Evidence challenges are most effective when raised early.

5. 5.
   Trial or Plea Agreement

   If no plea agreement is reached, the case goes to trial. Illinois is a jury trial state for felonies. Misdemeanors may be bench trials. A skilled Peoria County defense attorney can often negotiate reduced charges or alternative sentencing even for serious offenses.

DUI in Peoria: Illinois First Offense Penalties

Illinois has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country. A first-offense DUI in Peoria can result in:

• Up to 364 days in jail (Class A misdemeanor)
• Fines up to $2,500 plus court costs and fees (total cost often exceeds $10,000)
• Minimum 1-year driver's license revocation
• Mandatory alcohol evaluation and treatment program
• Possible BAIID (breathalyzer ignition interlock) requirement for reinstatement
• Permanent criminal record — DUI cannot be expunged or sealed in Illinois
• Potential job loss, professional license suspension, and immigration consequences

A DUI conviction in Illinois is permanent — it cannot be expunged or sealed. An experienced Peoria County DUI attorney may be able to challenge the traffic stop, breathalyzer calibration, field sobriety test administration, or blood draw procedures to get charges reduced or dismissed. Even a first-time DUI is worth fighting.

Find a Peoria DUI attorney →

Peoria criminal cases are handled by the 10th Judicial Circuit Court at the Peoria County Courthouse, 324 Main St., Peoria, IL 61602. The court operates under the SAFE-T Act. Peoria County has a Drug Court and a Juvenile Drug Court. The Peoria County Jail is located at 301 NE Jefferson Ave. The State's Attorney's Office has a dedicated violent crime prosecution unit that handles gang and gun cases.

Search Peoria County court records on IllinoisCrime.com →

Illinois arrest records are public under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Here are the fastest ways to find arrest information in Peoria County:

• Peoria Police Department Arrest Log

  Most Illinois police departments publish a public arrest log online or will provide one via FOIA request within 5 business days. Contact the Peoria Police Department directly at 911 / PPD Non-Emergency: 309-673-4521.

• Peoria County Circuit Court Records

  Criminal court filings are public record in Illinois. Search the Illinois Circuit Court Electronic Filing System (eFileIL) at efilingil.gov, or visit the Peoria County courthouse in person. Court records include charges, case status, and hearing dates.

• IllinoisCrime.com Court Tracker

  Our court tracker aggregates Illinois criminal court filings from CourtListener and other public sources. Search by defendant name or case number to find Peoria County criminal cases.

• Illinois State Police Background Check

  The ISP offers a Statewide Sex Offender Database and a Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth Registry, both searchable online for free at isp.illinois.gov. For a full criminal history, submit a fingerprint-based background check request.

Search Illinois court records →

Crime Victim Rights in Peoria, Illinois

If you were the victim of a crime in Peoria, Illinois law gives you significant rights — and you may be entitled to civil compensation entirely separate from any criminal prosecution. Under the Illinois Crime Victims' Rights Act (725 ILCS 120), victims have the right to:

• Be notified of all court proceedings, including hearings, trials, and sentencing
• Be present at trial, sentencing, and parole hearings
• Submit a victim impact statement that the judge must consider at sentencing
• Request restitution from the offender as part of any sentence
• Apply for compensation from the Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program (up to $27,000 for medical expenses, lost wages, and counseling)
• Be treated with dignity and respect by law enforcement and prosecutors throughout the process

Beyond criminal restitution, a civil attorney can pursue a separate lawsuit against the perpetrator for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and — in fatal cases — wrongful death damages. Civil cases have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases, meaning a civil suit can succeed even if the criminal case results in acquittal. Many Peoria County victims' rights attorneys work on contingency — no fee unless you recover.

Expungement and Record Sealing in Peoria County

Illinois has one of the most expansive expungement laws in the country. Many arrests and convictions in Peoria County can be expunged or sealed, removing them from public background checks and giving you a fresh start.

You may be eligible to expunge or seal your record if:

• Your case was dismissed, you were found not guilty, or charges were never filed
• You completed court supervision or qualified probation (waiting period applies)
• Your conviction is for a Class 4 felony or misdemeanor (waiting period and restrictions apply)
• You received a pardon from the Illinois Governor with a specific expungement authorization
• Your conviction was for a cannabis-related offense that is now legal under Illinois law

DUI convictions, sex offenses, domestic violence convictions, and most Class 1–3 felonies generally cannot be expunged in Illinois. An experienced Peoria County expungement attorney can review your specific record and advise on your options — many offer free initial consultations.

Check your expungement eligibility →