Jamal Simington Chosen As Next Bloomington Police Chief

WGLT | By Ryan Denham

Published August 25, 2021 at 5:11 PM CDT

Col. Jamal Simington during a community and media meet-and-greet.

Illinois State Police Col. Jamal Simington has been chosen as Bloomington's next police chief, the city announced Wednesday.

Simington, a Bloomington resident, has been in law enforcement for 30 years. He is currently the State Police deputy director for the Division of the Academy and Training, a position he started in March.

The other finalist for the BPD job was Springfield Police Chief Kenny Winslow.

Simington’s first day as Bloomington's chief will be Oct. 1.

“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 well in our first-rate municipal police department," City Manager Tim Gleason said in a statement. “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.”

Simington's career in policing started in 1991 with the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department. Previous assignments in State Police included the Ops Commander in District 21, the District Commander in District 10, and the Region III Commander for the State Police overseeing two investigative zones and six patrol operations in central Illinois.

“I am honored to join the dedicated men and women of the Bloomington Police Department which strives to serve and protect Bloomington’s residents and visitors. I have been committed to public service and am looking forward to serving in law enforcement at the local level," Simington said in a statement. “I can’t wait to work with residents and stakeholders to enhance public safety in Bloomington.”