Urbana Police letting clergy care for victims at crime scenes in new program

URBANA, Ill, (WCIA) — The Urbana Police Department is taking a unique approach to helping people in times of need.

The department is starting the Clergy Patrol . Religious leaders will ride along with officers to comfort victims of violent crimes.

Chief Larry Boone brought this concept with him from his previous job in Norfolk, Virginia. He saw how successful it was there and believes the same results can be achieved here. They overlaid the map of gun violence with churches in the same area, and plan to pull from that pool.

“A lot of people are looking forward to it,” Behavior and Health Detective Antwan Funches said. “The community, as well as my department.”

Religious leaders will be pairing up with Urbana Police hoping to provide specialized help to victims of violent crime.

“It’s just by virtue of what we do, who we are,” said Pastor David Ashby. “There is something we bring to the table by our presence, by being there.”

They say improvement is needed in responding to these situations. Last year, Urbana police say almost 75 percent of people in the U.S. identified with a religious faith.

“When someone’s suffering from a crisis, it’s not always a police officer in a uniform that they want to see.” said Services Lieutenant Zachery Mikalik.

The department envisions this program better connecting them to the people they serve.

“I really see the Clergy Patrol as a bridge to bring those services to the victims and bring them together,” Mikalik said.

Pastor David Ashby will be the first to participate. He’s been a chaplin with Urbana Police for more than 10 years. Ashby has been on ride-alongs before and says that experience has prepared him well for this new role.

“[I can bring] for one a listening ear, a shoulder that they can cry on or lean on somebody they can talk to,” said Ashby.

And officers believe this program will be successful in the community.

“I’m pumped,” said Funches. “One of the reasons I took this role is because of the communication aspect.”

The program starts Friday. The police department is looking for more religious leaders. Any religion is welcome to participate.

Any clergy member interested in getting involved should contact Urbana PD for more information.

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