Urbana Police report use-of-force data highlights racial disparities amid community context

Chief Larry D. Boone emphasizes transparency and ongoing efforts to reduce unnecessary police encounters.

ContributedUrbana Police Department“It means we must be honest about where we deploy, how often we are sent, and how encounters unfold.”

URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — New annual reports from the Urbana Police Department reveal that African American residents accounted for the majority of use-of-force incidents in the city over the past four years.

In 2021, officers used force in 125 incidents involving 156 people, with 74% identified as African American. Firearms were displayed in 64% of those incidents, most involving Black residents. In 2022, 107 people were involved in 95 incidents of force, with 74% African American.

The trend continued in 2023 and 2024. Last year, officers used force in 72 incidents on 89 people, with 81% African American, and firearms were displayed in approximately one-third of incidents, largely affecting Black residents.

Police Chief Larry Boone emphasized that while the numbers show disparities, they do not indicate race causes force. He said the data reflects where police are deployed, how often officers respond, and the circumstances of encounters. “Disparities, even in a small department, affect trust. And trust matters deeply in Urbana,” Boone said, adding the department is committed to sharing data publicly and working with the community to reduce unnecessary police contact.