Category: Police Department News

Interim Chief of Police Matthew Henson Announces Upcoming Retirement. Deputy Chief Tom Petrilli to be Appointed New Interim Chief

After more than 20 years of service to the City of Champaign, Interim Chief of Police Matthew Henson has announced his intention to retire effective December 16, 2021. Henson has accepted a new position as Director of the Coles-Moultrie County Emergency Communication Center (Coles-Moultrie 911). City Manager Dorothy Ann David has announced that she will […]


City of Champaign Accepting Applications for Chief of Police Position

Earlier today the City of Champaign began accepting applications from experienced law enforcement professionals interested in serving as Champaign’s next Chief of Police. Candidates that are ready to take the next step in their careers and serving Champaign’s residents can learn more about the position by visiting champaignil.gov/policechief. For full consideration, applications must be received […]


2021 Police Memorial Ceremony

On October 15, 2021 local law enforcement, honored guests, elected officials, and members of the public attended the annual Champaign Police Memorial Ceremony at West Side Park. The ceremony was held to honor law enforcement officers worldwide who have died in the line of duty. Champaign Police honored fallen heroes Thomas Dodsworth, Robert Tatman, and […]


Community Remembers 9/11 at Memorial Ceremony 

Community Remembers 9/11 at Memorial Ceremony The community continues to honor the commitment to never forget those lost on September 11th over 20 years ago.  The Champaign Fire and Police Departments held their annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony Saturday, September 11th at West Side Park.  Those in attendance heard comments from Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen, Champaign […]


Officer Trock and K9 Lando to the Rescue

During the week of August 16, 2021, Champaign Police (CPD) responded to the report of a missing 8-year-old girl. Despite the parents and multiple police officers checking several addresses and yards, they were initially unsuccessful in locating the young girl. Enter Officer Trock and Lando, who arrived on scene and immediately began tracking the lost […]


Community Meetings Held for Public Works Director and Police Chief Recruitments

The City Manager’s Office hosted seven public meetings between August 4-14, 2021, in order to gather public input regarding the recruitment of the City’s next Public Works Director and Chief of Police. Attendees were able to provide their feedback and suggestions directly to City Manager Dorothy David through meaningful, facilitated discussions. Tracy Parsons (Community Relations […]


City of Champaign Seeks Community Input on Recruitment of New Chief of Police and Public Works Director

The City of Champaign welcomes public input regarding the development of the recruitment profiles for the City’s next Chief of Police and Public Works Director. Champaign seeks suggestions from community members regarding the important priorities, professional qualities, and leadership characteristics which the successful candidate for each position must have in order to best serve the […]


Downtown Temporary Road Closures for Tuesday 7/27/21

Downtown Temporary Road Closures (University Ave. between First and Walnut; Chestnut St. between Main and University) In order to prepare for the Honorary Christopher Oberheim street sign unveiling ceremony, road closures will occur in the Downtown Champaign area starting at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. • University Avenue will be closed First Street […]


City Manager Seeks Public Input in Search for Public Works Director, Chief of Police

City Manager Dorothy Ann David is announcing the launch of the recruitment processes for the City of Champaign’s next Public Works Director and Chief of Police. Each recruitment will be a national search for a highly qualified candidate. As part of this process, the City Manager is soliciting community input to assist in the development […]


Chief of Police Anthony Cobb Announces Resignation Effective August 6

Champaign’s Chief of Police Anthony Cobb has announced his resignation effective August 6, 2021. Chief Cobb is leaving the City of Champaign to accept the position of Deputy Director with the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. Chief Cobb has been Champaign’s Chief of Police for more than nine years, having been appointed to […]