Champaign Police Join Residents, City Staff at first Coffee with a Cop of 2026!
The Champaign Police Department kicked off its 2026 Coffee with a Cop series on Wednesday, March 11 at The Caffeine RX, 107 N. Walnut, in Downtown Champaign. Coffee with a Cop events provide opportunities for open dialogue between members of the community and the Champaign Police Department over a cup of coffee. The event was […]
Champaign Police Receive Award for Support of Illinois COPS
On Saturday, March 7, 2026, the Champaign Police Department was recognized by the Illinois Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS) with the Eternal Flame Award for their support of the Chapter’s efforts in recent years. This annual award recognizes individuals, businesses, and agencies that demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting the families and coworkers of […]
Building a Strong Foundation: The City’s New Co-Responder Team
The City’s new Co-Responder Team has been actively building the skills and partnerships needed to support residents through a compassionate, community-centered response. The team recently completed Mental Health First Aid certification led by Dr. Kristal Hines, alongside members of the Police Department, Fire Department, and METCAD. The Co-Responder Team also participated in substance use response […]
City Supports Courage Connection “Breaking the Cycle”
On February 25, 2026, the Champaign County Community Coalition, in partnership with Courage Connection, hosted the “Breaking the Cycle – Town Hall Event.” City Councilmember Bob Pollett and Deputy City Manager Christopher Walton attended, demonstrating the City’s leadership presence and commitment to addressing issues impacting local youth and families. The community forum brought together residents, […]
Champaign Police Invite Residents to Coffee with a Cop on March 11!
The Champaign Police Department is hosting the first Coffee with a Cop event of 2026 in Downtown Champaign on Wednesday, March 11. The event will be held at Caffeine RX, 107 N Walnut Street, in Champaign. Coffee with a Cop events provide opportunities for open dialogue between members of the community and the Champaign Police […]
Elementary Students Encouraged to “Protect Their Dream”
On February 26, Community Relations Manager Tracy Parsons, alongside author Dr. Gilo Kwesi Logan, visited Leal Elementary and Kenwood Elementary Schools to discuss Dr. Logan’s book, Protecting a Dream. Through messages of accountability, perseverance, and personal responsibility, students engaged with the themes of the book and were encouraged to reflect on their own goals, choices, […]
Champaign Police Host Parkland Forensics Class for Tour and Talk
On Thursday, February 5, staff with the Champaign Police Department (CPD) hosted a forensics class from Parkland College for a tour of CPD’s building and Crime Scene Unit. The tour provided an opportunity for students to learn how forensic science is applied in the field. Sgt. Brian Greear, Ofc. Nate Epling, and PIO Joe Lamberson […]
Five CPD Officers Graduate from Police Training Institute
Congratulations to Champaign Police Officers Mitchell Gallier, Henry Johnson, Trevor Keeling, Tyler Rivelli, and Blake Shotts, who graduated on December 18, 2025, from the University of Illinois Police Training Institute. These five new officers will now spend the next 20 weeks in Field Training, where they will apply their basic law enforcement training and learn […]
City Staff Make the Season Merry at Shop with a Cop Event
On Tuesday, December 16, employees from Champaign Police and the Equity & Engagement Department were joined by area law enforcement and community partners for the 2025 Shop with a Cop event at Meijer! This year, Champaign’s Shop with a Cop helped to provide holiday gifts for 92 children in 36 families. Along with CPD personnel […]
Champaign Police Invite Residents to Final Coffee with a Cop of 2025!
The Champaign Police Department will host another great opportunity in 2025 to connect over a cup of coffee on Thursday, December 18. The event will be held at McDonald’s, 501 N Mattis Ave, in Champaign. Coffee with a Cop events provide opportunities for open dialogue between members of the community and the Champaign Police Department […]