URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — The Urbana Police Department and the University of Illinois Police Department are taking steps to strengthen overnight public safety coverage through a new partnership.

Last Monday night, the Urbana City Council approved an intergovernmental agreement along with a $50,000 payment that will allow University of Illinois police to access Urbana’s law enforcement data system during overnight hours.

Under the agreement, UIPD officers will continue handling calls for the city between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., a move aimed at improving efficiency and coordination between the two agencies during late-night shifts.

City officials say the added system access will help officers respond more effectively by ensuring they have the same information as Urbana police while on duty.

The measures were approved unanimously and are set to move forward for a final vote at tomorrow’s council meeting.