Law Enforcement Authorities

The University of Illinois Chicago Police Department (UICPD)

Mission Statement

The UICPD, in full partnership with the university and its surrounding communities, is committed to the safety and security of the campuses and their neighborhoods, so as to create the most enriching academic environment and quality of life for all UIC students, employees, and visitors.

Vision Statement

The UICPD will strive to empower and develop our sworn officers and civilian support personnel to achieve excellence through respect, service, preparedness, engagement, communication, and trust. Our commitment to transparency, community policing, collaboration, innovative practices, and ongoing training will ensure the highest professional standard of public safety service. Our goal is to foster safety and security and create an environment for continuous growth and intellectual advancement for all.

Authority

The UICPD are university police officers. Under Illinois law (110 ILCS 305/7), university police officers are peace officers and have all powers possessed by city police officers and by sheriffs, including the power to make arrests on view or warrants of violations of state statutes and city or county ordinances. UIC Police may exercise such powers only in counties wherein UIC and any of its branches or properties are located and when such is required for the protection of university students, personnel, properties, or interests, when requested by appropriate state or local law enforcement officials. UIC Police officers shall have no power to serve and execute civil processes.

The primary areas of responsibility for the UIC Police Department are the UIC Chicago Campus East, the UIC Chicago Campus West, and the UIC School of Law. Off-campus locations that are located outside of the UICPD Patrol Zone are served by the Chicago Police Department. However, the UICPD may respond to assist at these off-campus locations for crimes/emergencies that are in progress. The UICPD does NOT provide primary law enforcement services for the UIC regional campuses. Those campuses are served by the University of Illinois Springfield Police Department (Springfield Campus), the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Police Department (UIUCPD) (Urbana Campus), or local law enforcement (Peoria and Rockford Campuses). The UICPD regularly responds to off-campus Student Code and law violations, and officers testify at student conduct hearings as required.

UICPD Responsibilities

• Enforcement of laws and ordinances;
• Investigation of crimes, traffic accidents, and other incidents that require a police response;
• Maintenance of records, identification, and communications within the department;
• Regulation and control of traffic; and
• Protection of UIC buildings and grounds.

Law Enforcement Agreements

The UICPD works closely with the Chicago Police 12th District, Cook County Community Justice Center, Illinois Medical District, and other local law enforcement/security agencies in the apprehension and prosecution of offenders.

Detective/Investigator Training Program Agreement (Cooperative Agreement)

The UICPD has entered into a Detective/Investigator Training Program Agreement (cooperative agreement) with the Chicago Police Department vis-à-vis a training program and the exchange of information regarding potential or actual criminal activity, including active investigations of reported crimes, and the cross training of law enforcement personnel.

Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Veterans Affairs and UICPD

The UICPD has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Veterans Affairs outlining agency responsibilities and expectations for civil intervention or assistance that may require UICPD’s assistance.

Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Agreement

The UICPD has entered into a Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Agreement, made in recognition of the fact that natural or man-made occurrences may result in emergencies that exceed the resources, equipment and/or law enforcement personnel of the UICPD. Each participating law enforcement agency has expressed its intent to aid and assist the other participating law enforcement agencies during an emergency as circumstances permit and in accordance with the terms of the Agreement. The intent of the Agreement is to safeguard the lives, persons and property of citizens during an emergency by enabling other law enforcement agencies to provide additional resources, equipment and/or law enforcement personnel as needed.

Regional Campuses: Peoria, Rockford, Springfield, and Urbana

The UICPD does not have a Memorandum of Understanding with the Rockford Police Department, Peoria Police Department, Springfield Police Department, Urbana Police Department or Champaign Police Department regarding the investigation of alleged criminal incidents.

UIC School of Law Campus Safety & Security Department

The UIC School of Law Campus Safety & Security Department ensures a secure and orderly learning environment. The Security Department works in coordination with local law enforcement and UICPD to prevent crime, preserve peace and protect university property. Campus Safety & Security Officers patrol the School of Law utilizing security measures, access control, and patrol strategies. The UIC Law School is comprised of four buildings with no quad or exterior space due to its downtown location. The Campus Safety and Security Department provides effective emergency and crisis response through proper education and training. The Campus Safety & Security Department is comprised of a Director, shift Sergeants, and Campus Safety Officers. The department is committed to make the UIC Law experience safe and rewarding by providing quality service to the university community.

The Campus Safety and Security Department members pledge to support the Constitution of the United States, the law of the State of Illinois, and the rules and regulations of the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. This includes the department’s directives, regulations, policies, operational procedures, and practices. The department will be guided by legal, ethical, and best practices to maintain a diverse, safe, and secure atmosphere. The Director of Security is responsible for reviewing and recommending changes based on litigation, policy changes, or operational needs. Approval for change will be reviewed with the Dean of Finance, and based on need may require additional administrative approval. Before implementation, the change will be evaluated relative to the immediate and long-term impact on our diverse university community.

The UIC School of Law community is encouraged to promptly report all suspicious and criminal activity. Anyone who witnesses a crime or suspects a crime has been committed should also report the matter to the Campus Safety & Security Department by dialing ext. 29511 from any on-campus house phone. Cell phone users may dial (312) 427-2737 ext. 29511 to receive immediate assistance. When dialing 911 from a cell phone, be aware you will be connected to the Chicago Police Department, and this will NOT notify campus staff for assistance. A Campus Safety Officer may initiate a detention or citizen’s arrest when probable cause or reasonable suspicion exists of a criminal offense other than an ordinance violation has occurred on campus. Any detentions will be handled by the UIC or Chicago Police Department. The Campus Safety & Security Department is committed to conducting thorough preliminary investigations of incidents that may be forwarded for administrative or criminal proceedings.

To enhance the campus community’s safety, the Director is a member of community and law enforcement organizations that meet in the area. The Director also receives and reviews intelligence information from local, state, and federal resources. This helps determine if the campus community needs to be aware of pertinent public safety information. As a member of organizations in the community, the unit can help the problem-solving process.

The Campus Safety & Security Department is committed to excellent working relationships with its local law enforcement partners and UIC Police. It will also work with state, federal, and county agencies. Collectively, they support and help to ensure the safety of the campus. The unit will assist with investigative efforts and exchanging information on criminal matters.

UIC School of Law has a formal agreement with UICPD to oversee all investigations regarding any criminal offense. They serve in an advisory capacity in developing and maintaining an up-to-date security plan and mitigating risk. They also provide crime prevention education and support to security staff.

Peoria Campus

The UIC Peoria Campus does not have its own police force. UIC Peoria is presently using an outside contractor (Securitas Security) to provide a full-time guard on duty (24/7) at the front security desk. Securitas guards are not certified or sworn peace officers, so they have no law enforcement authority. Accordingly, the Peoria Police Department will take any required action in response to a call of a reported crime, criminal behavior, or an emergency, either by dispatching an officer to respond or by asking the victim to report to the Peoria Police Department to file an incident report. Securitas guards are authorized, when necessary, to make a citizen’s arrest provided such arrest is made in the presence of a Peoria police officer.

Law Enforcement Agreements

Securitas Security works closely with the Peoria Police Department, Peoria County Sheriff’s Department, and state and federal law enforcement agencies to track and respond to campus criminal activity.

Rockford Campus

The UIC Rockford Campus does not have its own police force. Accordingly, the Rockford Police Department, which exercises full police authority and powers, including arrest powers, provides periodic patrols at the campus. In response to a call of a reported crime, criminal behavior, or an emergency, the Rockford Police Department will take the required action, either dispatching an officer or asking the victim to report to Rockford Police Department to file an incident report. Police reports will be generated for all criminal activity on campus. Follow-up investigations of reported criminal activity are conducted on a case-by-case basis.

Law Enforcement Agreements

Since our campus is located within the boundaries of the City of Rockford, building management and campus faculty and staff work with the Rockford Police Department, Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department, and state and federal law enforcement agencies to track and respond to campus criminal activity. There is no “official” MOU for this service. Onsite after-hours security guards work directly with local law enforcement and can assist with crime reporting and incident filing. Onsite security does not have the authority or jurisdiction for arrests or law enforcement. Onsite security is contracted directly with the UICPD offices on the Chicago campus.

Springfield Campus

Like the UICPD, members of the University of Illinois Springfield Police Department (UISPD) are university police officers. Under Illinois law (110 ILCS 305/7), university police officers are peace officers and have all powers possessed by police in cities and by sheriffs, including the power to make arrests on view or warrants of violations of state statutes and city or county ordinances, except that they may exercise such powers only in counties wherein the university and any of its branches or properties are located when such is required for the protection of university properties and interests, and its students and personnel, and otherwise, within such counties, when requested by appropriate state or local law enforcement officials; provided, however, that such officers shall have no power to serve and execute civil processes.

Law Enforcement Agreements

The UISPD maintains a close working relationship with the Springfield Police Department, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office and Illinois State Police. Verbal agreements have been established with Illinois Central College, and formal MOUs are in place with City of Springfield and Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office to provide each other routine and emergency police services, including, if requested, assistance with criminal investigations. Each department augments the others within their jurisdictions during mutual investigations, arrests, and prosecutions. These agencies routinely exchange crime-related reports and statistics and conduct cooperative patrols, event security, investigations, and special unit operations.

Urbana Campus

Like the UICPD, members of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Police Department (UIUCPD) are University police officers. Under Illinois law (110 ILCS 305/7), university police officers are peace officers and as such have all powers possessed by police in cities and by sheriffs, including the power to make arrests on view or warrants of violations of state statutes and city or county ordinances, except that they may exercise such powers only in counties wherein the university and any of its branches or properties are located when such is required for the protection of university properties and interests, and its students and personnel, and otherwise, within such counties, when requested by appropriate state or local law enforcement officials. UIUCPD’s 75 officers are trained just as all other public law enforcement officers in the state of Illinois are trained. In Urbana, UIUCPD do not provide primary law enforcement services to off-campus residences or to sororities and fraternities. These properties are served by the Urbana Police Department.

Law Enforcement Agreements

UIUCPD police officers work with the Champaign Police Department, Urbana Police Department, Champaign County Sheriff’s Office, state and federal law enforcement agencies, and all appropriate agencies of the criminal justice system. These agencies routinely exchange crime-related reports and statistics and conduct cooperative patrols, special events, investigations, and special unit operations. The UIUCPD, Champaign Police Department, Urbana Police Department, and Champaign County Sheriff’s Office have entered into mutual-aid agreements to provide each other routine and emergency police services, including assistance with criminal investigations. Each department assists during mutual investigations, arrests and prosecutions. UIUCPD attend monthly meetings with local law enforcement agencies to exchange ideas and discuss problems that are of concern in the university community.

Under an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Champaign, UIUCPD have primary jurisdiction in a specific off-campus portion of Campustown where many students reside and enjoy leisure activities. This off-campus area in Champaign is bounded by Springfield Avenue, Neil Street, Windsor Road and Wright Street. Off-campus properties outside of these boundaries are served by the Champaign Police Department. UIUCPD maintain partnerships with both the Urbana and Champaign police departments and regularly respond to student code and law violations, regardless of the geographic location of the offense.

Building Access and Security

Chicago Campus East & Chicago Campus West

During normal business hours, the administrative and academic facilities at UIC are generally accessible to students, employees, and visitors of the university. After normal business hours and during breaks, these facilities are locked and only accessible to authorized individuals. UICPD officers conduct routine security and safety patrols of the academic and administrative buildings to monitor conditions and report any unusual circumstances.

Many cultural and other non-university events are held in UIC facilities, such as the Credit Union 1 Arena, the Isadore and Sadie Dorin Forum, Student Center East, Student Center West, and the Student Services Building. These events may be open to the public, some with purchased tickets and others without charge. University bookstores, libraries and cafeterias are also open to the public.

Residential facilities are only accessible to building residents and their authorized guests and visitors. Residents are responsible to avoid allowing unknown individuals access to the residential buildings. Housing staff monitor security in the residential facilities and encourage building residents to report suspicious or unusual activity.

Control of and Access to University Facilities and Spaces Policy

In accordance with university policy FM-4200-001, Control of and Access to University Facilities and Spaces, in the interest of providing the UIC community with a safe environment to learn, teach, live and work, the university limits and controls access to university facilities and spaces. The Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services is responsible for establishing campus-wide policies related to building access. University departments are responsible for establishing policies, procedures and regulating access to their respective departmental spaces. University spaces can be secured using two methods: mechanical locks that may be opened using keys or electronic access control. Access to buildings and specific areas on campus may need to be restricted in order to provide a safe and controlled environment for the University of Illinois Chicago. It is also imperative that the circulation and recovery of university keys and electronic access control be closely monitored by the university. Please refer to the full policy linked above for more information on roles and responsibilities, or review the building access procedures on the UIC Facilities Management website.

Security Camera Policy

The Security Camera Policy (Policy No. UP-4500-001) exists to ensure that UIC’s current efforts to address safety on campus, as they relate to existing university practices regarding video recording, are structured to satisfy the needs of law enforcement and security while respecting the privacy of students, faculty, staff, and other members of the campus community. UIC is committed to enhancing the quality of life for the campus community by integrating best practices in campus safety with state-of-the-art technology. The presence of security cameras has been found to help deter crime in those areas in which they are placed, and to aid in the investigation and prosecution of crimes. The deployment of security cameras is under the authority of the UIC Chief of Police, and camera placement is based on mitigating risks, vulnerabilities, and crime data. Security camera recording of public areas will be conducted in a professional, ethical, and legal manner consistent with existing university policies and applicable law. Cameras will not be installed in areas where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy (e.g., restrooms, locker rooms, and occupied student residential rooms).

Deans, directors, and department heads who wish to add security cameras in their buildings or work areas, or those with existing security cameras, shall consult the Chief of Police for guidance, approval, and compliance with this policy. Deans, directors, and department heads are responsible for the cost of installation, policy compliance, and the cost of training assigned personnel involved in retrieving security camera recordings. Units and/or departments will only have access to their purchased cameras.

The purpose of security cameras is to assist the university in protecting the campus community. Information obtained through security camera video recording must be used exclusively for security and law enforcement purposes, and related administrative processes. Authorized members of the UICPD will review stored video images during an investigation of criminal or suspicious activity when recorded images may assist investigators in identifying potential suspects, witnesses, or victims. Information obtained through security camera video recording may only be released outside the UICPD or university when authorized by the Chief of Police or the Chief’s designee, in consultation with university legal counsel, when required by applicable law, court order, or pursuant to a validly issued subpoena. Access to security camera footage, both real-time and historical recordings, will be restricted to authorized administrative personnel as determined by the Chief of Police. Making audio recordings using security cameras is prohibited. FAQs for Security Camera Recording can be found on the UIC Police Department website.

UIC School of Law

The Campus Safety and Security Department staffs two security desks at building entry and exit points. Students, employees, and visitors are required to enter the UIC School of Law at the 300 S. State St. Building and may exit through the same building or through the (connected) 19 W. Jackson Blvd. Building. The main entrance is equipped with access control turnstiles that require a valid UIC ID (i-Card) to swipe in for entry. Security staff utilizes a network of cameras to monitor the campus 24/7. A radio communication system is used by staff to communicate any issues. Security personnel also actively monitor Chicago Police radio traffic for situational awareness of security matters in the area.

The School of Law Building Access Policy limits building access to UIC i-Card users at all hours and in all buildings. Students, faculty, and staff are required to scan their valid i-Card prior to accessing any School of Law building. Faculty and staff who temporarily misplace their i-Card must obtain a temporary ID card at the security desk which can be scanned to gain entry. Students, faculty, and staff are expected to replace lost i-Cards by visiting the ID Center, located at 750 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL. Replacement i-Cards may also be obtained directly at the Law School by bringing a valid, government-issued ID and paying applicable fees.

All visitors and contractors with scheduled business at the School of Law must present a valid, government-issued photo ID at the security desk. Contractors are also required to present a current company-issued employee identification card in order to receive a temporary contractor ID card. The government ID or company employee card will be held by security as collateral until the individual checks out. Visitors conducting business at the Law School are registered in the cloud-based visitor log application upon entry and are checked out upon completion of their visit. Building hours are subject to change based on operational requirements. Please see the School of Law website for hours of operation.

Individuals who violate the building access policy by entering the building without the proper credentials, against the instructions of a security officer, or who refuse to leave when directed may be subject to arrest for trespassing. Additionally, such incidents will be documented in an official incident report and may result in disciplinary action for campus members in accordance with university policies.

Peoria Campus

The UIC Peoria Campus site uses contract guard services 24/7 at the front security desk. The guard service provides on-site observation services to protect and monitor buildings and equipment from potential damage and acts as a deterrent to unsafe conditions for building occupants. During normal business hours, the medical library is open and accessible to the public. The main building is open to employees and students during normal business hours, but after business hours, access is limited to authorized individuals. Keys are issued only to authorized faculty and staff. Employees and students must have a valid UIC ID (i-Card) at all times and must scan their i-card to access the building at all times. Visitors and guests who visit the campus will need check-in with the security desk to sign-in and provide their time of arrival and departure. Problems caused by people in the building are reported to the Campus Security Office by dialing (309) 671-3000. Card Reader Doors access systems are maintained by Peoria Communication and Information Services (CIS) Department. Approval for an individual to have Card Reader Door access to a department is only granted/approved by the departmental Director.

Rockford Campus

The UIC Rockford Campus uses contract guard services for a portion of non-business hours. The guard service provides on-site observation services to protect and monitor buildings and equipment from potential damage and acts as a deterrent to unsafe conditions for building occupants. When the guard service is not present during non-business hours, access to the building is limited to those employees that have been issued an access card for the main entrance door. This door is connected to a computer-controlled door access system which grants entry into the building and logs all users who attempt to enter the building. The UIC Rockford Campus Parkview site (excluding the Activity Center) has a fire alarm system, which provides continuous monitoring and is connected directly to the Permar Central Station via radio/cell signal. If a fire alarm is sounded, all fire doors within the building close automatically and Permar Central Station contacts the Rockford Fire Department which dispatches equipment and personnel. All students and employees have been issued a UIC ID (i-Card) for identification that is to be worn any time they are within the UIC building. All students and employees who enter the Parkview site during non-business hours are required to sign in and out at the reception desk located in the building addition lobby located on the east side of the building.

Springfield Campus

Most Springfield campus buildings and facilities are accessible to members of the campus community, guests, and visitors during normal hours of business Monday through Friday, and for limited designated hours on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. Facilities are maintained and their security monitored in the interest of the campus. Many cultural and athletic events are held in University of Illinois Springfield facilities, such as the Student Union, the Recreation and Athletics Center (TRAC), Brookens Auditorium, the Great Room in Lincoln Residence Hall, and Performing Arts Center. These venues are open to the public, some with purchased tickets and others without charge. Other facilities such as the UIS Bookstore, Brookens Library, and the Visual Arts Gallery are also open to the public.

Access to academic and administrative facilities is generally limited to students, employees, and visitors for the purpose of studying, working, teaching, and conducting other university business. However, the academic buildings are open and accessible during normal business hours and often into the evening hours for classes and meetings and as such, visitors can gain access during those hours. UISPD provides random patrols of the University of Illinois Springfield non-residential facilities as time permits. Both University of Illinois Springfield residence halls have monitored, card-access-restricted admission, 24-hours a day, and also allow keyed access at the individual room level, while apartments and townhouses allow keyed access to only residents of that particular unit. UIC does not own, control, or operate any residential or housing facilities on the Springfield Campus.

Urbana Campus

Most campus buildings and facilities are accessible to members of the campus community and visitors during normal hours of business Monday through Friday, and for limited designated hours on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays. Facilities are maintained, and their security monitored, in the interest of the campus. Many cultural and athletic events held in university facilities, such as the State Farm Center and the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, are open to the public with the purchase of tickets. Other facilities such as the Illini Union Bookstore, libraries, and cafeterias are also open to the public.

Access to academic and administrative facilities on campus generally is limited to students, employees, and visitors for the purpose of studying, working, teaching, and conducting other university business. However, the academic buildings are open and accessible during normal business hours and often into the evening hours for classes and meetings, and visitors can access the buildings during those hours. Each academic building has established its hours based on the needs of specific academic departments. UIUCPD provides random patrols of the non-residential facilities as time permits. All residential areas and exterior doors of university residence halls are locked 24-hours a day. UIC does not own, control, or operate any residential or housing facilities on the Urbana Campus.

University buildings are evaluated when they are first designed and on an ongoing basis to include thoughtful landscaping design, good lighting, security cameras, intrusion detection systems, door access control and other architectural and design features that can prevent crime. There are currently more than 2,300 cameras on the campus security camera system. The majority of these cameras were funded by departments and units across campus. All these cameras can be reviewed at the Division of Public Safety. The Division of Public Safety and Technology Services have expanded camera coverage into the greater Campustown area, especially focusing on areas such as the Green Street corridor and Sixth Street between Daniel Street and Green Street through a partnership with the City of Champaign. This model includes maintenance and replacement costs that can stand as a standard across campus.

The university continues to work with the cities of Urbana and Champaign to strengthen its partnership through the sharing of these resources for a safer campus. Cameras are being installed in parking lots, parking structures, and university quads on an ongoing basis. As campus emergency phones are replaced, they are being upgraded with a new model that includes security cameras.

Maintenance of UIC Facilities

UIC, UIS, and UIUC maintain all campus facilities in a manner that minimizes hazardous and unsafe conditions. Parking lots and pathways are illuminated with lighting. The UICPD, UISPD, UIUCPD and regional Campus Director and authorities s work closely with Facilities Management or appropriate building management to address burned out lights promptly, as well as malfunctioning door locks, landscaping or other physical conditions that enhance security. They also monitor the exterior lighting around the classrooms and lecture centers to ensure that all lights are operating and adequately bright. It is helpful when other members of the UIC community report equipment or potential security problems to the UICPD, UISPD, UIUCPD, regional and Campus Directors, or to their respective Facilities Management and Services department.

Off-Campus Crimes and Student Misconduct

UIC may pursue disciplinary action for off-campus violations of UIC rules in those instances in which UIC is substantially affected, whether or not the misconduct was criminal in nature. UICPD regularly responds to off-campus student code and law violations, and officers testify at student conduct hearings as required. Outside agencies are not required to notify university officials when dealing with a UIC student.

Off-campus student violations of the law or UIC Standards of Conduct are addressed by the Office of the Dean of Students, Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams, the Office for Access and Equity, or the regional Colleges of Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy Offices of Student Affairs.

Off-Campus Locations of UIC Student Organizations

Student organizations officially recognized by UIC annually register through the UIC Centers for Student Involvement. Through registration, student organizations are directed to submit a Travel & Geography Registration Form (located at ready.uic.edu) to report qualifying student organization travel or geography. UICPD uses submissions from the Travel & Geography Registration Form to request statistical information from the appropriate local law enforcement agencies about crimes that occur at those locations.