Chambana Sun

In 2023, the Champaign Police Department made significant strides in fostering community relationships, promoting public safety, and preventing and solving crime. According to the department's report, there was a remarkable 49.6% reduction in shooting incidents in Champaign, with only 65 incidents recorded in 2023 compared to 129 in 2022. This reduction represents a staggering 74.9% decrease from the 259 shooting incidents reported in 2021. It is important to note that a shooting incident is counted whenever the police find evidence of a gun being fired.

To strengthen community engagement efforts, the Champaign Police Department dedicated over 1,221 staff hours and participated in 234 events throughout the year. This represents a remarkable 336% increase in engagement compared to the previous year. The department actively participated in various community events, such as the Champaign Police Open House and National Night Out, as well as community meetings, block parties, and resource fairs. These engagements provided an opportunity for the Champaign Police personnel to share safety information, promote a positive police presence, and build trust within the community.

Police Chief Timothy T. Tyler expressed his gratitude towards the community and acknowledged the commitment shown by his team in 2023. Chief Tyler stated, "Our community asked for Champaign Police to be there, and our teammates showed up in 2023. We are thankful to the residents and partners who joined us and look forward to strengthening these bonds in 2024 and beyond."

In addition to the impressive reduction in shooting incidents, the Champaign Police Department achieved several other notable accomplishments in 2023. They responded to 43,020 calls for service, which is similar to the call volume in the previous year. The department also made arrests in five homicides, marking a 44.4% decline from the previous year. Furthermore, the Champaign Police successfully seized or recovered 114 unlawfully possessed firearms, effectively removing dangerous weapons from the streets.

The department focused on enhancing their capabilities by hiring 19 new personnel, including six civilians, eight new hire officers, and five experienced officers. These additions aimed to strengthen the skills and expertise of the police force. Additionally, the Champaign Police Department invested over 23,000 hours of training to further develop their staff and bolster specialized units.

To promote transparency and public trust, the Champaign Police equipped their officers with new body-worn and in-car cameras. These technological advancements aid in capturing crucial evidence and ensuring accountability during police operations. Furthermore, the department expanded the use of technology to assist officers in investigating serious incidents in Champaign.

The Champaign Police Department's efforts in 2023 have resulted in reduced violence and increased community engagement. By actively participating in community events and fostering relationships, the department has taken significant steps towards building trust and promoting public safety. As they move forward into 2024, the Champaign Police Department remains committed to strengthening their bonds with the community and continuing their efforts to prevent and solve crime.

Click this link to access more information: https://champaignil.gov/2024/01/10/champaign-police-see-reduced-violence-increased-engagement-in-2023/