The city of Springfield has a new police chief. Springfield alderpeople voted Tuesday to approve Assistant Police Chief, Joseph Behl, to be the new police chief for the Springfield Police Department.

Chief Behl told me one of his top priorities is continuing to foster relationships with the community.

It’s important that our citizens trust us,” Behl said. “So, at a moment's notice when they call us, we show up, and they can entrust us to provide them with the service that they demand, and that they deserve.”

Before being promoted to chief, Behl was a part of the Springfield Police Department for nearly 19 years.

As Behl officially assumes his position in nine days, he said he’s ready to tackle any challenges that comes with being the chief.

“It’s critically important to me to kind of put my shape on public safety in the community,” Behl said. “To also put my shape on the department that our officers will help with and build on their wellness.”

Public safety includes traffic safety throughout the capital city. Behl said that’s one of the main problems he plans to address.

He said the department has been receiving a lot of complaints.

“I’m going to get my staff together, and as a team, we’re going to put together a plan as to what this looks like for the city of Springfield and the Springfield Police Department,” Behl said. “How can we bolster our traffic safety and what that actually looks like for the city and for the department.”

Being committed to Springfield safety and connecting with its members, Behl is making a point to go out and see the community face-to-face.

“We will continue with our neighborhood police officer program with books and badges and other community events,” Behl said. “Bridging the gap and making sure we’re out in the community building those relationships and having real conversations with our community members.”

Behl takes over the reins from Chief Ken Scarlette. He announced his retirement in April. He's been chief since 2022.