Some studies have shown that increasing police resources in areas of higher crime, or “hot spots policing,” is an effective way to reduce crime. But it often doesn’t take into account how that policing strategy impacts the relationship between the community and law enforcement.
The University of Illinois Police Training Institute graduated what some thought would be its final class Thursday in Urbana. But the institute’s director opened the ceremony by announcing that the PTI would continue to hold classes in 2018.
Monday marks Urbana Mayor Laurel Prussing’s final day in office. The first woman to serve as the city's mayor will leave office after 12 years. Diane Marlin will be sworn in to succeed her, after winning February’s Democratic primary and last month’s general election.
For the first time since 2005, Urbana will have a new mayor. Alderwoman Diane Marlin bested incumbent Mayor Laurel Prussing by more than 900 votes in Tuesday’s Democratic primary – and she’ll take on Republican Rex Bradfield in the April 4th election. Marlin maintained the early lead she held through early voting, finishing with an unofficial total of 2,427 votes. Prussing had 1,510, while Evelyn Burnette Underwood finished third with 316.
A resolution on Monday night's Urbana City Council agenda, suggested by Mayor Laurel Prussing, calls for keeping the Police Training Institute at its current site in Champaign. The measure comes as Decatur philanthropist Howard Buffett has announced plans to build a new training facility in his city. Prussing was among those who worked to save PTI at the university a few years ago.
