URBANA, Ill. (WAND) — After four people were killed in Urbana in less than a week, the community is pushing for change. The Urbana Police Department said they have plans in place to make the community safer.
Their first priority is tackling illegal guns, especially in the hands of teenagers. While Chief Larry Boone said Illinois is one of the most difficult states to acquire a gun, guns are coming into communities from other states.
"The availability of illegal firearms in this community is overwhelming, I cannot stress that enough," said Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Reitz. "The number of young people who come into our system who are in possession of firearms is is staggering and exhausting. Where they are getting these guns, how they are keeping them, the fact that they don't even know what they're carrying or how to use them is terrifying, and should be for everyone."
To reduce this issue Chief Boone said they will trace guns to see who is purchasing them and who is in possession of them. This will help them track problem areas and target them first.
Boone said as they've cross referenced gun data with domestic violence statistics, their seeing an alarming correlation. He's creating a coordinated domestic violence response unit where healthcare providers, UPD officers, social services team, and specialized responders to focus on survivors and their needs.
He hopes to utilize data to ensure the team is working where they are most needed.
"This collaboration would provide a robust mechanism for collective impact with daily access to domestic violence data, because we can't do anything without data," said Chief Boone. "That would allow key stakeholders to monitor trends, such as reoccurring offenders, victims and calls for service. By having those professionals work as a cohesive unit, we can deploy targeted intervention directly, while constantly reviewing and refining our strategies based on data."
Boone said the team could work to create an app for domestic violence survivors to contact help and notify their support team. He also hopes to add an element of economic assistance, through job opportunities or financial assistance.
The Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline is (877) 863-6338 and is staffed 24/7. People in Urbana can contact Courage Connection at (217) 384-4390.
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