The City of Urbana has officially appointed Joshua Jacobs as the new Police Chief for the Urbana Police Division.
A graduate of Urbana High School, Jacobs holds a degree in Criminal Justice and brings more than 25 years of law enforcement experience to the role. City officials highlighted his strong commitment to community policing and his proven leadership throughout his career.
Jacobs began his law enforcement career with the Champaign County Sheriff’s Department before joining the Urbana Police Division in 1999. Over the past two decades, he has steadily advanced through the ranks, serving as a patrol officer from November 1999 to January 2008 and later as an investigator from January 2008 to May 2021.
In addition to his investigative work, Jacobs held several leadership roles within the division, including sergeant from 2012 to 2017 and lieutenant from 2017 to 2025.
Following the retirement of former Police Chief Matt Lingrell, Jacobs was appointed Interim Chief in November 2025. His appointment to the permanent role now marks the next step in his long-standing service to the Urbana community.
City leaders say they are confident Jacobs’ experience and dedication will help guide the department forward and continue strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the community.
