Chambana Sun

In 2024, the Champaign Police Department focused on hiring new personnel and enhancing officer training to promote public safety. The department hired 20 new members, including three civilians, 15 new officers, and two experienced officers. This group includes the largest and most diverse police academy class in the agency's history, with nine officers graduating on August 22. These graduates will continue their training in the Field Training Program in 2025. Currently, there are seven vacancies for sworn personnel and five for civilian staff.

"As we continue to grow our ranks, the City of Champaign strives to ensure that the Champaign Police Department reflects the community we serve and our officers are given the best training available," said Police Chief Timothy T. Tyler. "Champaign Police are dedicated to meeting the needs of our residents and ensuring that our teammates uphold our agency’s history of excellence, transparency, and community connection."

The department also addressed unlawfully possessed firearms by seizing or recovering 193 weapons through proactive measures. Each weapon was processed as evidence and entered into the National Integrated Ballistics Network (NIBIN), a system that helps law enforcement agencies analyze ballistic information across jurisdictions.

Additionally, in 2024, Champaign Police responded to 43,752 calls for service—a 1.71% increase over 2023—and engaged with the community at 263 events. They logged 1,244 staff hours supporting community partners and strengthening relationships with residents. The department received reaccreditation as a Tier II Law Enforcement Agency, reflecting high professionalism standards for an Illinois agency.

Five employees were promoted to new ranks to ensure leadership continuity within the department. Staff skills were enhanced through more than 40,000 hours of training. The department responded to 88 calls related to gun violence incidents where evidence indicated a gun was fired.

Technology use expanded with unmanned aerial systems and public safety cameras assisting in investigating serious incidents.