Champaign Council Approved Federal Police Grant

The city will utilize $76,000 in federal grant funding to upgrade forensic technology for local investigations.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Champaign Council Approved Federal Police Grant

Live Poll

Should your local police department invest in advanced 3D scanning technology for crime scene investigations?

The Champaign City Council has authorized over $76,000 in federal grant funding to bolster police investigative tools. This capital will be used to replace an aging 3D laser scanner and acquire new portable fingerprint equipment.

Why it matters

The upgrade aims to improve the department's ability to document evidence at crime scenes more efficiently. The police department's existing scanner, which has been in use since 2021, has recently shown declining performance and battery issues.

The authorization follows the recent conviction of a defendant who received a 50-year prison sentence for attempted murder and aggravated battery. This sentencing stems from a June 2025 shooting involving a 13-year-old at Oakwood Trace Apartments.

The players

Champaign City Council

This is the governing legislative body responsible for overseeing the city budget and municipal policy in Champaign.

Champaign Police Department

This local law enforcement agency serves the city of Champaign and is responsible for investigating criminal activity.

The details

The 3D scanning technology creates detailed three-dimensional models of crime scenes to record precise distances and evidence locations. Portable fingerprint equipment will allow officers to process evidence directly in the field.

Champaign police began using FARO 3D scanning technology in 2021.
A shooting occurred at Oakwood Trace Apartments in June 2025.
The city council approved the grant funding on October 9, 2026.

Legal Context

The city's move to modernize forensic tools follows the June 2025 shooting at Oakwood Trace Apartments, which resulted in a 50-year prison sentence. This investment highlights an ongoing effort to improve evidence reliability within the local justice system.

Residents may benefit from more thorough and efficient crime scene investigations, which could lead to faster evidence processing in criminal cases. These technological improvements are designed to assist the police department in maintaining local public safety standards.

The takeaway

The city is prioritizing updated forensic hardware to address the limitations of equipment that has been in service for several years. This investment reflects a broader commitment to forensic accuracy during investigations in the Champaign area.