CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The Champaign Police Department ramped up community engagement and traffic safety initiatives in 2025, dedicating 2,085 staff hours across 374 events — a 67.5% increase in staff time and a 42.2% jump in events from 2024.
From Touch-a-Truck events for children to “Know Your Rights” presentations for residents of all ages, officers and staff connected with neighborhood groups and local organizations to build trust and collaboration, promoting public safety across the city.
“The Champaign Police Department is committed to keeping this community safe, and we prove it by investing not just in enforcement, but in the residents we serve,” said Police Chief Timothy T. Tyler. “From youth engagement to senior scam awareness, we are working collaboratively to address community needs.”
Traffic safety remained a key focus. Officers spent 157 hours on seven grant-funded campaigns through the Illinois Department of Transportation, addressing speeding, seatbelt violations, and distracted driving. Speeding continues to be a top concern among residents, and the department emphasized daily efforts to encourage safer driving for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
Other highlights from 2025 include:
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Responding to 44,786 calls for service, up 2.36% from 2024
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Hiring 28 new personnel, including 15 officers and nine professional staff
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Promoting seven employees to ensure leadership continuity
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Logging over 45,000 hours of staff training
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Responding to 66 incidents of gun violence and seizing or recovering 178 firearms
The growth in community events and proactive initiatives underscores the department’s commitment to a model of policing that prioritizes both public safety and community trust.