Urbana police review board adopts 2026 schedule and agrees to study draft surveillance ordinance

The Urbana Civilian Police Review Board adopted its 2026 meeting schedule by acclamation and approved amended minutes from October after a correction to who seconded the agenda (Renee Nicholson noted the correction) (SEG 149–176; SEG 1393–1403).

Board members discussed a draft city ordinance on surveillance technology that could assign the board an oversight role for police surveillance tools. The chair disclosed assisting an alderman with drafting (SEG 1563–1565). Members debated whether the ordinance would apply only to the police department or citywide, the additional workload that review would impose and whether changes to the CPRB ordinance would be required to shift complaint-versus-appeal responsibilities (SEG 1700–1746; SEG 2038–2048).

Staff cautioned it is premature to take a formal position until the board knows the ordinance's scope and wording; several members recommended placing the item on the Feb. 25, 2026 agenda for further review and to consider an agreed statement to present to the council. No formal vote on the ordinance or the board's oversight role occurred at the meeting.

Other procedural items: staff reported five active citizen complaints against UPD sworn officers (some closed for time limits, one alleging falsified statements remained open) and noted no pending appeals. The board received community-event announcements including an invitation to the MLK celebration on Jan. 18, 2026 (SEG 2304–2313; SEG 2383–2391).

Votes at a glance: agenda approved by assent; amended October minutes approved; 2026 schedule adopted; meeting adjourned by voice vote (SEG 023–029; SEG 166–175; SEG 1393–1403; SEG 2522–2528).