Return of Police Department Open House Set for Saturday, May 20, 2023
The Champaign Police Department invites the public to attend events during National Police Week, May 14 through 20, 2023, as we open our doors to the community for the first time since 2018. Additionally, Champaign Police will once again recognize employees for their efforts and honor our fallen officers with reverence as part of Police Week ceremonies.
“Champaign Police are excited to welcome our community into our home for the return of the Police Department Open House,” said Chief of Police Timothy T. Tyler. “This exciting event gives a behind-the-scenes look at your police department, featuring tours, exhibits, and demonstrations for everyone to enjoy.”
On Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., the Champaign Police Employee Awards Ceremony will be held at the Champaign Police Department (82 E University Ave, Champaign) to honor the efforts of officers and civilian staff members who have performed exceptionally in their duties during the last year. Awards will include the announcement of Employee of the Year and Officer of the Year and recognizing Commendations for officers who went beyond the call of duty in specific actions.
On Friday, May 19, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., the Champaign Police Memorial Ceremony will be held at West Side Park (400 W. University Ave., Champaign) to honor law enforcement officers from around the world who have died in the line of duty. We will pay a special tribute to Champaign Police Officers Thomas Dodsworth (end of watch July 6, 1913), Robert Tatman (end of watch November 25, 1967), and Christopher Oberheim (end of watch May 19, 2021), who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving the Champaign community. Immediately following the Champaign Police Memorial, staff will also attend the public Champaign County Police Memorial at the Champaign County Courthouse in Urbana. That event begins at 10:00 a.m.
On Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Champaign Police Open House will return after a long pause due to COVID-19. The Open House, held at the Champaign Police Department (82 E University Ave, Champaign), allows staff to welcome the community into the Champaign Police Department, providing guided tours, historical displays, and information on community safety programs. The event features a fun, family friendly atmosphere to learn about local police and their community safety mission, including touch-a-truck with multiple CPD vehicles and demonstrations from specialized units such as the Crisis Negotiation Unit, Crime Scene Unit, K-9 Unit, and SWAT team.
Since 1962, National Police Week has been held in the week that includes Peace Officers Memorial Day, which takes place on May 15, 2023,. All events are open to the public, and attendance is encouraged.