CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — As October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, law enforcement officials in Champaign and Urbana are drawing attention to escalating crime metrics, proactive community programming, and recent violence connected to domestic situations.
On Sunday, Trunk-or-Treat will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on October 26, hosted by the Parkland Police Department. Parkland College reports a 5 % increase in attendance at Parkland events this year compared to last.
According to Police Chief Timothy Tyler, in Champaign, the Police Department says it receives about 150 calls per day. Some officers have filed 24 reports per shift, reflecting a 2.71 % uptick over last year. The department also reported recovering 131 illegal firearms, up 6.11 % from 2024. At present, Champaign PD has six sworn vacancies and two civilian job openings. On the community outreach front, officers participated in 268 events, logging 1,741 hours—more than 40 % more than last year.
Meanwhile, Urbana faces a sobering reality on the domestic violence front. From June to September, Urbana police recorded 126 domestic battery calls, 12 violations of protective orders, and 23 firearms removed during domestic incidents. During the same period, 204 calls for service were made, and police have reported three domestic violence–related shootings this year, two of which resulted in fatalities. One tragic incident involved a 7-year-old child, who lost his life during a domestic-violence shooting in February.
Earlier this week, Urbana police responded to a shooting traced back to a domestic dispute. The suspect was arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a repeat offender. He also faces prior burglary charges. Authorities say he shot a woman in the 900 block of South Vine Street during an argument and fled before police arrived.
Urbana Police Chief Larry Boone emphasized that collection of firearms is only a first step, advocating for tracing each weapon to close accountability gaps. Partnerships with Courage Connection, Land of Lincoln Legal Aid, DREAM, Carle Hospital, Hope Clinic, and the Caring Center support a three‑pronged strategy: prevention, intervention, and enforcement.
At the same meeting, Shevone Myrick, director of YouthBuild for the Champaign County Housing Authority, presented youth speakers from the Unit 4 YES Program.
Illinois Soul Manager Jill Clements, representing Illinois Public Media, discussed their restructured operations amid budget cuts—eliminating 20 part-time and 4 full-time positions—and highlighted recovery fundraising of $140,000. Upcoming events were referenced from will.illinois.edu.
Leaders from the Champaign Park District and Rosecrans also presented new fall programs and youth-centered events, reinforcing how parks and recreation play a role in community resiliency.
With crime and domestic violence on the rise, officials say the infrastructure of support—from law enforcement to nonprofits and community centers—is more critical than ever.