Peyton appointed as Public Safety chief

Advertiser Staff

Gov. Linda Lingle has named John F. Peyton Jr. director of the state Department of Public Safety.

Peyton, an assistant U.S. attorney in Hawai'i for 20 years, is vice president of the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Councils of Bosnia and Herzogovina. The councils are responsible for reforming the judicial and prosecutorial services of the country.

"John is an outstanding manager who will bring a wealth of experience to the Department of Public Safety," Lingle said.

Peyton's career with the U.S. Attorney's office has included overseeing the Drug and Organized Crime Section, directing the Hawai'i High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and heading the law enforcement committee of the federal Weed and Seed program.

Peyton also served as assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida, where he focused on international drug cases.

"I'm honored to have the opportunity to serve the Hawai'i community and to apply what I have learned during my career in the U.S. Attorney's Office," Peyton said. "After being away from the Islands for nearly two years, it will be a pleasure to return home to Hawai'i."

Peyton, a U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, retired reserve, has also served as associate general counsel for the Central Intelligence Agency, and was senior assistant city prosecutor for Cincinnati, Ohio.

His nomination must be confirmed by the state Senate.