Following the backlash from community members over the shooting of 15-year-old Kiwane Carrington by a Champaign police officer, the Champaign Cit y Council met on Oct. 20 to take public questions regarding the police department’s Use of Force policy.

In preparation for state accreditation by the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ILEAP) and national accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), the Champaign Police Department has revised all departmental policies effective Oct. 1 2009.

“The revisions that were made to [the Use of Force] policy were made in relation to the accreditation process. These revisions reflect state and national standards that replicate current and best practices,” said Police Chief RT Finney. “A departmental goal for the past two years has been to become an accredited department.”

A Study Session on the police department’s Use of Force Policy has been planned for Nov. 10, 2009, per the request of the Champaign City Council.