Since the last Cheat Sheet update on the City of Champaign in March, there has already been a great deal of discussion on addressing local gun violence and dealing with the staffing shortages in the Champaign Police Department as warmer weather and more downtown crowds approaches. This post includes information on a few recent proposals, updates on hiring a new Champaign Police Department Chief and some other City of Champaign news items.
One of the more controversial proposals (at least on local social media) has been an announcement by the City that it is looking for private security to help patrol downtown. From WCIA:
The City of Champaign announced on Monday that it is now accepting bids from firms to provide private security in the Downtown area of the city.
The selected firm would provide security services on the busiest days and hours for visitors to Downtown bars and restaurants. The city said this move is meant to address public safety and order maintenance concerns.
That full blurb here. The News-Gazette offered some additional details in its coverage:
“The intent of the RFP (request for proposals) is to establish staffing at the times that downtown Champaign is at its most active, with plans for up to four security staff in place from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights,” said Champaign police spokesman Joe Lamberson. “There is also the potential to hire additional staff on an infrequent basis for special events expected to draw large crowds.”
The security officers would serve as “eyes and ears” downtown and would help address simple concerns in real time before they rise to the level of requiring a police officer, Lamberson said. Police will still be assigned to patrol the city’s north district and will still respond to calls downtown, he said...
Lamberson said the decision to pursue extra resources for downtown was based partly on a direct request from business owners following issues in recent months.
That full article here. In a less controversial move, the City is looking for From WCIA:
The City of Champaign is searching for an organization that will provide street outreach services for community gun violence and intervention.
It’s another method community leaders are using to hopefully achieve Victory Over Violence.
The city’s search is a part of its Reduction of Community Gun Violence Blueprint. The chosen vendor would serve as the critical link for contact with shooters and potential shooters in an effort to interrupt community gun violence in real time.
That full blurb with a link to the application process here.
There's also been some updates on the search for a new Police Chief since the retirement of Chief Cobb. There are currently three finalists being considered for the job according to Illinois Newsroom:
Angela Coonce is the Commander of the North Patrol Division of the St. Louis, Missouri police department. She has held that post since November 2019. Most of her career has been with that department. She holds advanced degrees in Security Studies and Management and Leadership.
Another candidate is Idaho Falls, Idaho police chief Bryce Johnson. He has led that department since August 2017. Johnson also served as police chief in Juneau, Alaska. He also served as an intelligence analyst in the US Naval Reserve.
The third candidate is Chief Timothy Tyler with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Law Enforcement in Springfield. He has served in that role since November 2020. Tyler is also a Colonel in the US Army, and a Colonel in the Illinois Army National Guard.
Additional coverage on the hiring of a new Chief:
- Community members on what they'd like to ask the Chief applicants, also from the News-Gazette.
- The News-Gazette had an overview of some the issues facing both Champaign and Urbana's search for new police chiefs in the current environment.
- WCIA had coverage of a community meet and greet with Chief candidates.
- Recent Cheat Sheet post on some news items that effect both Champaign and Urbana.
- Coverage on the proposed honorary street naming for Bishop King James Underwood, from the News-Gazette.
- WAND had an article about promoting local women owned businesses.
- VeoRide e-bikes are hitting local streets, from WCIA.
- Also from WCIA: Yard Waste collection dates are coming up soon.
- Also from WCIA: Household Hazardous waste collection dates are also coming up soon.
- The Champaign County History Museum located near downtown Champaign was recognized as Illinois Small Museum of the Year. From Smile Politely.
