Cantrell Patterson News Today

Kendall Perry was rehired as chief after the new mayor, Charles Powell III, took office. Depending on who you ask, Perry either abruptly retired or was among the four city staff members fired in January for reasons they say were political.

In 2019, East St. Louis reported 36 homicides. The next year, Illinois State Police formed a partnership to help with criminal investigations and community partnerships. Last year, the city’s homicides dropped to 25.

Former chief Kendall Perry left the police department last month. Now, the city has selected its former director of internal affairs as the next chief.

The city said he retired. An interim chief is looking to the future.

Earlier this week, former Police Chief Kendall Perry told the Belleville News-Democrat he'd been fired.