Decatur Police modernize investigations unit

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) – The Decatur Police Department made significant investments last year to modernize and restructure its investigations unit.

This milestone reflects the success of strategic initiatives implemented by the department. Chief Shane Brandel said the department assessed its investigations unit and sought to modernize it.

"It's very different than when I started 28 years ago," he said.

Chief Brandel, who was appointed to his position in 2021, recognized inefficiencies in the division's structure. Last year, the department consolidated units previously focused on adult and juvenile crimes into a single criminal investigations unit.

To address caseloads more effectively, the Decatur Police reorganized its case assignment approach. As a result, the department currently has zero cases waiting to be assigned.

Additionally, the department established a Technology Services Unit to address modern investigative needs, including cellphone analysis, data mapping, and surveillance.

"It's able to help with our investigations and our detectives, but also assist our patrol officers," Brandel explained.

On Wednesday, Chief Brandel released the department's enforcement statistics for 2024. He told WAND News that, upon taking leadership, he turned to the community to understand their concerns and identify priorities.

Through community surveys, the department learned residents wanted a greater focus on reducing violent crime and increasing traffic enforcement.

Speed enforcement stops increased by 14% compared to 2023 and by 200% compared to 2021. In 2024, Decatur Police made a total of 3,500 stops for speeding.

Cellphone enforcement stops rose 29% from 2023 and 137% from 2021.

Traffic crash data, which dates back to 2007, revealed that 2023 had the lowest number of traffic crashes on record (excluding 2020 due to the pandemic). In 2024, crashes dropped even further to an 18-year low of 2,337. This marks a 28% decrease from the 2007 high of 3,244 crashes.

As for violent crime, there were 99 shootings in 2024—a 45% decrease from 2021—with 33 people shot, representing a 59% decrease from 2021 and a 42% decrease from 2023. Additionally, there were five homicides, the lowest number since 2016.

One of the key contributors to reducing violent crime is the Decatur Police Department's CAT (Community Action Team). The team seized 95 illegal guns from violent offenders in 2024, bringing their three-year total to 248 seized weapons.

The CAT team comprises a small group of highly proactive officers who target violent criminals.

"They are a different breed of officers," Chief Brandel said.

These officers take on dangerous work to remove illegal guns from the streets, earning the community's appreciation.

The public's response to these efforts has been overwhelmingly positive. As Decatur moves into 2025, the police department remains committed to its mission of enhancing safety and fostering trust within the community.