16-05-2025
Peoria Police Department hosting third year of Safe Zone activities
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Peoria Police officials are spreading the word to families about upcoming summer activities.
The 2025 Safe Zone Lock-Ins will be held for students entering fifth through eighth grade, according to police spokeswoman Semone Roth. The events will include arts and crafts, pizza making, obstacle courses and games.
Keith McDaniel, community engagement coordinator for the Peoria Police Department, shared why they host the Safe Zones, with this being the third year.
'We want to keep the kids in a controlled environment,' McDaniel said. 'If they're with us, they're not out on the streets doing wrong.'
McDaniel also explained what developmental purpose the events have as well.
'The goal is to help build self-esteem,' he said. 'Help build upon certain key skills that they may have and may use throughout their lives. '
Mary Peterson, community relations and crime prevention manager with PPD, explained how beneficial the lock-ins are.
'This is part of that community policing,' said Peterson. 'We need to be partnering with our community, versus you've got the police department and then you have the community. We're all working together.'
The four scheduled events will be held from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., and doors are expected to be open at 5:30 p.m.
The event dates will include:
June 5 at the Proctor Recreation Center
June 12 at the Dream Center Peoria
July 10 at the Greater Peoria Family YMCA
July 17 at the Wildlife Prairie Park
The department is looking for volunteers who would be interested in helping, as well as community partners. Those interested can sign up on May 17 and May 24 from 10 a.m. to noon.
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