By Blake Haas
BLOOMINGTON – After a lengthy nationwide search, Bloomington has named a new top cop to lead the law enforcement agency.
In a news release, Bloomington City manager Tim Gleason said Col. Jamal Simington would lead the city as the next Police Chief, replacing retiring interim Chief Greg Scott.
“Today’s announcement is a big win for the Bloomington Police Department and community. Colonel Simington’s law enforcement experience and relationships gained in a top-notch state agency will bode will in our first-rate municipal police department.”
Col. Simington’s career began in 1991 at the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department, where he served as a correctional officer, telecommunicator, and then sheriff’s deputy.
Col. Simington’s resume also includes more than 20-years with the Illinois State Police as the Deputy Director for the Divison of the Academy and Training.
“An already great department will become even better under Chief Simington’s leadership. While the official start date is still a month or so away, Colonel Simington is already prepping himself so he can hit the ground running,” added Gleason.
As the city’s next chief, Simington said he’s honored to join the force in Bloomington.
“I have been committed to public service and am looking forward to serving in law enforcement at the local level. I can’t wait to work with residents and stakeholders to enhance public safety in Bloomington.”
Simington’s first day on the job is Oct. 1, 2021.
Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].
