Carbondale Police Department launches special unit to address violent crime

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) – The Carbondale Police Department has launched a Strategic Response Unit.

In a big move to address rising crime rates and enhance public safety the Carbondale Police Department has launched a Strategic Response Unit. The unit is designed to quickly respond to high-risk incidences and focus on crime hotspots throughout the city. 

The unit was launched specifically to address violent crime in the area and improve quality of life issues.

The Strategic Response Unit (SRU) was launched in March 2025 and is led by Sergeant Jeramie Stewart.

Since launching the unit has made 80 arrests and seized 26 illegal firearms.

According to FBI UCR data Carbondale ranks in the top 10 for highest crime rates in the state.

In 2022 they came in at 10th highest and in 2023 they rose to 7th highest for crime rates. The SRU unit was launched in March of 2025 and Carbondale Lieutenant Teddy Lattan says the unit has made a big impact since then. 

“We’ve had a tremendous impact already” says Latta. “While it’s too early to look at full trend cycles within that first 3 ½ to 4 months they’ve had a significant impact and have affected over 80 total arrests and with 45 of those being felony offenses. They have seized over 26 illegal firearms, they have affected 26 arrests for UUW or unlawful use of weapons offenses, they have made 11 felony drug arrests and also 17 active warrant arrests.” 

The SRU focuses on identifying and disrupting criminal activity through proactive, intelligence-based policing. The unit also works to address issues that directly impact the safety and quality of life concerns in Carbondale’s neighborhoods and for everyone visiting the community.

According to Lattan  RSU is dependent upon success rates and resources within the department but it’s very possible the unit will be a long-term part of the department. He says with the unit being able to focus solely on violent crimes and enhancing public safety this positively affects both the department and the community.  

“We can absolutely say that in the short amount of time they have been active that they have been highly successful in the goals they are trying to achieve” says Lattan. 

Watch FOX23 News tonight at 9pm for more information on the Strategic Response Unit.