Urbana CPRB to implement long-approved training outline as mayor backs rollout

The Civilian Police Review Board on Sept. 8 discussed moving forward with a training outline that was approved by the City Council in 2007 and updating it so current board members — and newly appointed members — can meet the ordinance's training expectations.

"Mayor Williams is in full support of the approved training and of CPRB members completing the training as a priority," Carla said, presenting the materials and timeline she had reviewed. Carla said staff are coordinating with UPD and the state's attorney to provide updated presentations and that some topics will be tweaked rather than removed.

Board members pressed for clarity on the time commitment and format. One member described the curriculum's original expectations as burdensome: "Ride along, 4 hours initial, 20 hours annual, which seems like quite a lot," a member said, noting that 35 hours per year of combined requirements could be a barrier to volunteer recruitment. Members suggested digitizing portions of the curriculum and videotaping presentations so future appointees could complete some modules on their own schedule.

Deputy Chief (DC) Cervantes described efforts already taken to assess what remains relevant and where UPD staff can provide up-to-date material. He said abbreviated or supplemental taser and ride-along modules could be used to help members understand operational context without requiring the original full time allotments.

The board did not adopt any changes to the approved outline at the meeting; staff were asked to circulate a doodle poll for schedules and to work on an implementation plan that balances comprehensiveness with members' availability. The board discussed holding bite-sized trainings and prioritizing in-person sessions where back-and-forth with subject-matter presenters is valuable.