URBANA – The University of Illinois Police Department is welcoming two new officers who graduated Thursday from the 14-week basic law enforcement class at the University of Illinois Police Training Institute.

Officers Daniel Leake and Jacob Gibson will now enter the department’s field training program for the next several months.

Officer Leake originally joined the department as a telecommunicator in January 2015. This year, he earned two commendation awards as a telecommunicator for his exceptional and compassionate work tied to a hit-and-run accident and a reported sexual assault.

Officer Leake, who grew up in Champaign, earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Colorado State University and is now working toward a master’s degree in legal studies and criminal justice at the University of Illinois Springfield.

Officer Gibson served in the U.S. Navy from 2010 to 2014 and is currently a member of the U.S. Naval Reserves. The Clinton, Indiana, native earned his associate’s degree in applied sciences in fire service from Kaplan University.

“We’re thrilled to have officers Leake and Gibson on board,” said U. of I. Police Chief Jeff Christensen. “Throughout the interview process and during their time at the Police Training Institute, they have proven themselves to uphold our departmental values of integrity, justice and respect. I know they are looking forward to serving and contributing to the safety of our campus community.” 

The two new officers will be paired with field training officers as they start to get experience responding to calls for service.