On January 18, 2024, the Department welcomed Pastor John Porter, Senior Pastor of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Champaign, as the newest Chaplain for the Department. Pastor Dave Ashby, the current Chaplain, and Pastor Porter will collaborate with other local Pastors and spearhead the new Clergy Patrol for the City of Urbana.
The Clergy Patrol program will involve clergy members partnering with the Department to enhance trust and positive interactions with the community. The clergy members will volunteer their time to accompany patrol officers during service calls, participate in neighborhood events and meetings alongside officers, and introduce patrol officers to the faith community. The program aims to foster accountability, trust, and positive interactions between the Urbana Police Department and the neighborhoods they serve.