Champaign Police Join Community for Coffee with a Cop
Champaign Police held their second Coffee with a Cop event of 2023 on June 6 at Starbucks on South Neil Street. Coffee with a Cop is a national program that creates a low barrier opportunity for police and community members to gather for conversation. Staff members spent two hours at Starbucks chatting, waving at cars […]
“Ice Pops with a Cop” Event Held at Hedge Pop! Park
On June 6, 2023, Champaign Police were joined by staff from multiple City departments to host “Ice Pops with a Cop” at the Hedge Pop! Park. This first-time event featured hundreds of popsicles and fun activities for police personnel, city staff, and children from the Garden Hills neighborhood, along with an opportunity for the kids […]
CPD Officers Support Special Olympics with Annual Torch Run
On June 7, 2023, Champaign Police officers once again supported the Special Olympics by participating in Leg Two of the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run. This rainy event brought together officers from the Champaign, Urbana, Rantoul, University of Illinois, and Parkland Police Departments, Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, and METCAD 9-1-1 to carry the “Flame of […]
Summer Kickoff Celebration at Hedge Pop Park
On May 26, 2023, the City of Champaign came together to host a Summer Kickoff Celebration at Hedge Pop Park. The City’s Equity and Engagement Department, with the assistance and support of the Police, Planning, Public Works, and Neighborhood Services Departments were there to make sure this was the best event possible. Multiple Blueprint partners, community organizations, […]
Champaign Police Memorial Ceremony Recorded
The City’s Communications Division recorded the Police Memorial Ceremony held at West Side Park on May 19, 2023. This moving event was quickly edited and is now airing on CGTV. It is also posted on the City’s social media accounts and on the City’s website.
Champaign Police Host Open House
Champaign Police closed out another successful Police Week with the return of the Champaign Police Open House on Saturday, May 20th. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this was the first time this event was held since 2018. CPD staff offered opportunities for the community to learn about our police department firsthand at the event, including […]
Champaign Police Honor Fallen Officers at Memorial Ceremonies
On May 19, 2023, the Champaign Police Department hosted the annual Police Memorial Ceremony at West Side Park. During the event, Champaign Police honored fallen heroes Thomas Dodsworth, Robert Tatman, and Christopher Oberheim, along with law enforcement officers across the nation who have died in the line of duty. Department staff was joined at the […]
Police Department Hosts Employee Awards Ceremony
On May 17, 2023, the Police Department celebrated their annual employee award recipients with a reception. Award recipients for 2022 are: Officer of the Year: Christopher Aikman Employee of the Year: Gretchen Davis Life Saving Award: Molly Hedrick, John McAllister, Caleb Rice, Jeffrey Thomas Distinguished Leadership Award: Kevin Olmstead, Katherine Thompson, Renae Yandell Medal of […]
Communities of Practice
On May 15, 2023 the Communities of Practice team met to continue work on implementing the Welcoming Plan. This team is made up of leadership across the county from City departments, not-for-profits, and other public service entities. The Welcoming Plan is a set of strategic initiatives to welcome immigrants and better integrate foreign-born residents into […]
City Council to Consider $2 Million State Grant for Community Development and Violence Prevention
On May 16, 2023, the Champaign City Council will consider approving an agreement to accept $2,000,000 from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) through the Community Development, Violence Prevention and Administrative Costs Grant. This grant funding was appropriated for the City of Champaign by the late State Senator Scott Bennett. If the […]