Centralia Illinois Police Department

Centralia Illinois Police Department Centralia Police Department is dedicated to proactively solving problems,protecting life and property

This weekend highlighted the strength of Centralia’s community partnerships and our shared commitment to safe, enjoyable...
08/24/2026

This weekend highlighted the strength of Centralia’s community partnerships and our shared commitment to safe, enjoyable events for residents and visitors.

Balloon Fest, Shrine Game, and Touch a Truck brought people together throughout the weekend, and several of our officers participated in each event. This provided a great opportunity for our officers to interact with residents and visitors at each event.

We extend our thanks to Helmets First and Operation Juicebox for their support by providing bike helmets and juice boxes for children in attendance at the Touch a Truck event.

We also appreciate the strong partnerships with Illinois State Police, Salem Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and Clinton County Sheriff’s Office. Each agency provided support to our department and helped ensure all events remained safe for everyone to enjoy.

We are grateful to everyone who helped make the weekend successful, safe and enjoyable for the Centralia community.

Centralia Police Department announces the retirement of Sergeant Mike Peebles. Sergeant Peebles joined the agency on Aug...
08/18/2026

Centralia Police Department announces the retirement of Sergeant Mike Peebles. Sergeant Peebles joined the agency on August 15, 2005, and served as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Housing Liaison Officer and Gang Crime Specialist. He also served as a liaison with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

He was promoted to Sergeant on May 13, 2021. Sgt. Peebles dedicated 21 years of faithful service to the members of the PD, residents, visitors and businesses. His last official day was August 17, 2026.

Mike, on behalf of the men and women of the Centralia Police Department, we thank you for your dedication, hard work and commitment to this community. We all wish you the best and continued success as you begin this next chapter of your life.

(Photo courtesy of Moments in Time Photography)

Our 4E (active shooter response) and Stop the Bleed training has been very well received in the community.Centralia Regi...
07/29/2026

Our 4E (active shooter response) and Stop the Bleed training has been very well received in the community.

Centralia Regional Library District staff recently received training in both courses. CPD thanks the staff for partnering with us. The staff should also be commended for participating in both training sessions. This partnership and the training received is a positive step to provide a safer environment for staff and patrons. Instructors were Sgt. Hinkel and Det. Jader.

Stop the Bleed and 4E training is provided to businesses, schools, churches and others at no cost. If your organization or group is interested in arranging the training, please reach out to us to plan a training session.

Great job everyone!

Thank you Donnewald Distributing for the energy drinks they donated to the department.
07/09/2026

Thank you Donnewald Distributing for the energy drinks they donated to the department.

07/07/2026

NEWS: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 07/07/2026

For Information, Contact:
Name: Lieutenant Steve Whritenour
Phone Number: 618-533-7602
Email: [email protected]

Drive smart: Reduce your speed for safer travel

Centralia, IL – The Centralia Police Department today announced it is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies to step up enforcement efforts across the state in an effort to reduce speeding. Throughout the month of July, motorists can expect increased patrols looking for speeding, as well as other traffic violations.

“Speeding causes unnecessary danger on our roads,” said Lieutenant Steve Whritenour. “Speed greatly reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object or an unexpected curve. Speeding drivers put themselves, their passengers and other motorists at tremendous risk.”
During the speeding enforcement blitz, officers will intensify enforcement of posted speed limits.
“Offenders will be stopped and ticketed – especially on highly traveled thoroughfares, where most of our speed-related crashes occur,” said Lieutenant Steve Whritenour. “Our goal is to save lives.”

The speed enforcement effort is made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by IDOT.

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07/07/2026

NEWS: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For information, contact Lieutenant Steve Whritenour
Phone Number: 618-533-7602
Email: [email protected]

Centralia Police Department releases Fourth of July enforcement statistics.

Centralia, Illinois – "The Centralia PD made 1 impaired driving arrest and issued 39 seat belt citations during the recent Fourth of July Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket safety campaigns.” said Lieutenant Whritenour.

Other enforcement measures included:
- (13) citations for speeding
- (58) citations for miscellaneous offenses
- (6) arrests for driving suspended/revoked/unlicensed
- (2) arrests for leaving the scene of a crash
- (7) arrests for narcotics related offenses
- (1) arrest for reckless driving
- (1) arrest for fleeing and eluding
- (1) arrested on outstanding disorderly conduct case
- (4) outstanding warrant arrests
- (2) arrested on outstanding retail theft cases
- (2) arrested on outstanding burglary cases
- (2) arrested on outstanding criminal trespass cases

Law enforcement agencies throughout Illinois participated in this statewide effort to get drunk and drugged drivers off our roads and encourage seat belt use.

Centralia PD joined forces with more than 200 other state and local law enforcement agencies conducting the crackdown, which featured high-visibility enforcement combined with a variety of outreach activities including a media campaign.

The Illinois Independence Day enforcement campaign is funded with federal highway safety dollars administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation and supported by the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies across the state. It’s reinforced with IDOT’s “It’s Not a Game” media campaign, which shares real stories of Illinois residents lost in fatal crashes.

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07/05/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Death Investigation Involving Infant

On Saturday, July 4, 2026, at approximately 5:05 p.m., the Centralia Police Department received a report of an unresponsive five-month-old child in the 1000 block of Maulding Drive.

Officers from the Centralia Police Department, along with the Centralia Fire Department and EMS, responded to the scene. The infant was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, where the child was pronounced deceased.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death has been turned over to the Illinois State Police.

The Centralia Police Department extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones during this difficult time.

No additional information is being released at this time as the investigation remains ongoing.

07/03/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Centralia Police Department Seeks Public’s Assistance in Hit-and-Run Investigation

On Thursday, July 2, at approximately 5:20 a.m., the Centralia Police Department responded to a report of a person lying in the roadway on 13th Street, just south of the Centralia Junior High School parking lot.
Officers arrived and located Brian Herrin, 52, of Centralia, suffering from serious head and leg injuries. Herrin was transported for medical treatment.

The preliminary investigation indicates that Herrin was riding a bicycle westbound on 13th Street when the incident occurred.

Investigators have obtained video footage showing a dark-colored four-door passenger car stopped in the area before quickly accelerating away at a high rate of speed. The vehicle is considered a vehicle of interest in this investigation.

The Centralia Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying this vehicle or providing any information that may help investigators. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has surveillance or dash camera footage from the area around the time of the incident, or has information about the vehicle is encouraged to contact the Centralia Police Department at 618-533-7602.

This investigation remains active, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Address

222 S. Poplar
Centralia, IL
62801

Telephone

(618) 533-7602

Website

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