Chambana Sun

The Champaign Police Department worked in 2023 to foster community relationships, promote public safety, and prevent and solve crime. Through the City’s efforts, Champaign Police reported a 49.6% reduction in shooting incidents in Champaign, with 65 in 2023 compared to 129 in 2022. This effort represents a further reduction of 74.9% from the 259 shooting incidents in Champaign in 2021. A shooting incident is counted anytime police find evidence that a gun was fired.

Champaign Police also worked to bolster community engagement efforts, with CPD personnel committing more than 1,221 staff hours and attending 234 events in 2023. This reflects an increase in engagement of 336% from 2022. These engagement activities included the return of large events – such as the Champaign Police Open House and National Night Out – while also promoting CPD staff attendance at community meetings, block parties, and resource fairs. These opportunities to engage gave Champaign Police personnel a chance to provide safety information, promote a positive police presence, foster relationships, and build trust.

“Our community asked for Champaign Police to be there, and our teammates showed up in 2023,” said Police Chief Timothy T. Tyler. “We are thankful to the residents and partners who joined us and look forward to strengthening these bonds in 2024 and beyond.”

Additionally, in 2023, the Champaign Police Department:

• Responded to 43,020 calls for service, a similar call volume to 2022.
• Made arrests in five homicides in Champaign in 2023. These incidents declined by 44.4% from 2022.
• Seized or recovered 114 unlawfully possessed firearms, getting these weapons off the streets.
• Hired 19 new personnel, including six civilians, eight new hire officers, and five experienced officers.
• Grew the skills of staff and bolstered specialized units through more than 23,000 hours of training.
• Equipped officers with new body worn and in-car cameras, promoting public trust and transparency.
• Expanded the use of technology to assist officers in investigating serious incidents in Champaign.

Original source can be found here.