Champaign Police looking for volunteers for two civilian panels

Bradley Zimmerman
·2 min read
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CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The Champaign Police Department is trying to recruit volunteers for two of its public panels.

The department is looking for people to serve on its officer interview panels and Use of Force Review Committee, which provide input to Chief Timothy Tyler on each candidate applying to be a police officer and review incidents where an officer uses force in the course of their duties.

People volunteering for interview panels will meet with applicants and asses their qualifications. Time commitments will vary based on need, but they are asked to commit at least one day per month to participate in interviews. Preference will be given to applicants who:

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  • Have experience in a supervisory or leadership role

  • Have experience in hiring or evaluating employees

  • Exhibit knowledge of issues related to local police-community relations

  • Demonstrate the ability to be objective in reviewing job applicants

People with questions about this opportunity should contact Karen Hampton in the City of Champaign’s Human Resources Department at 217-403-8770 or hr@champaignil.gov.

The Use of Force Review Committee, meanwhile, looks at specific incidents where an officer uses force such as grapples, holds, use of non-lethal equipment like tasers and weapon points. As part of a monthly meeting, panelists will be presented with reports, in-car and body-worn camera video, policy samples and expert advice from department trainers. The panel does not provide insight on officer discipline, instead making training and policy recommendations for department consideration.

The Champaign Police Department appoints a pool of department members and six civilians to the Use of Force Review Committee. Civilians will serve no more than two years on the committee, with monthly time commitments of 60 to 120 minutes held via Zoom conferencing.

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Preference will be given to applicants who:

  • Have a reputation for fairness and integrity

  • Exhibit a history of public service

  • Reflect the community’s diversity, including neighborhood, income level, ethnicity, age, gender and experience.

People with questions about this opportunity should contact Deputy Chief Kevin Olmstead at 217-403-7010 or police@champaignil.gov.

All applicants for both officer interview panels and the Use of Force Review Committee must be 21 years old and reside in the Champaign city limits. Interview training and a non-disclosure agreement must be completed prior to serving on these panels.

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