ABOVE: Danville Police Chief Christopher Yates speaks during Friday morning, August 23rd swearing in of Probationary Officer Jose Munoz.
During this past Tuesday evening’s (Aug 20th) Danville City Council meeting, Danville Police Chief Christopher Yates talked about progress that’s been made during his five years as chief. But Yates told us later in the week, following the swearing in of new Probationary Police Officer Jose Munoz; that despite a drop in violent crime or property crime, and despite a significant drop in shots fired incidents, such as 306 in 2020 to 91 in 2023; the job of the Danville Police Force is to never be satisfied.
AUDIO: We’ve seen significant reductions. But you know, if you’re a victim of crime; not of the stats, none of the data; makes you feel better. And that’s what we’re hitting on. We want to reduce the number of victims, the number of complainants, and make sure the predators know that we’re on to them.
Chief Yates says one significant challenge right now; the portion of the SAFE-T ACT that eliminated cash bail in Illinois except for certain situations; has placed more habitual criminals out on the streets, and therefore made it more dangerous for the public.
AUDIO: Some of the most vulnerable that live in different areas; it makes it more difficult for them. We don’t have a good ending, and we don’t reach our objective, until the community reaches out to me and says “we’re happy.” That goes for every citizen; rather you’re on the north side, south side, east, west. Until I see all parts of our city living comfortably amongst each other, we’ve got a lot of work to do.
Chief Yates says for he and his officers on the Danville force, it’s a matter of how you feel when you get off work and go home; and “are you making it safer for your community?” He says until every citizen feels that way, there is always progress to be made.
