Champaign Police Department changes use of force policy

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WICS/WCCU) — After the deaths of George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, and Breonna Taylor, many conversations surrounding police practices and policies have come up.

Champaign Police Department's (CPD) practices and policies were the topics of discussion during Tuesday's city council study session.

Following Floyd’s death, CPD made changes and revised its Use of Force policy. The new policy went into effect on July 10.

There were three main changes:

1. De-escalation: The policy defines it as "taking action or communicating verbally or non-verbally during a potential encounter in an attempt to stabilize the situation and reduce the threat, so more time, options, and resources can be called upon."
2. Chokehold ban: This is something that CPD isn't trained on or authorizes, except as an option during a deadly force situation.
3. Duty to intervene: Officers have a duty to intervene to prevent or stop the use of excessive force.

Council members said this is going to be an ongoing conversation.

CPD wants to hear from the community moving forward.

“The police department is proposing to convene a series of community listening sessions or 'Town Hall' meetings, to listen and learn from the public about their concerns and future vision for policing practices, strategies, and engagement," CPD Chief Anthony Cobb said.

CPD is also proposing community engagement opportunities, like reinstating the Police Chief's Advisory Committee. Its purpose is to recommend how police can improve and promote community involvement.

For more information on CPD practices and policies, click here.