05. Crime Prevention & Security Awareness Programs
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05. Crime Prevention & Security Awareness Programs
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Crime Prevention & Security Awareness Programs
The UIC Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services, along with the UIC Police Department (UICPD), University of Illinois Springfield Police Department (UISPD), University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Police Department (UIUCPD), and regional campus authorities, take a proactive approach to prevent crimes from occurring. The goal of crime prevention and security awareness programs is to eliminate or minimize criminal opportunities whenever possible by informing students and employees about campus security procedures and practices, encouraging students and employees to be responsible for their own security and the security of others, and informing students and employees about the prevention of crimes. A log of crime prevention, security awareness, hazing and sexual misconduct prevention/awareness programs that were held in the previous calendar year is available online at go.uic.edu/ASFSR-Programs.
CAMPUS SAFETY TRAINING
Campus Safety Training is a comprehensive educational program designed for all UIC students, faculty, and staff, offered by the Office of Preparedness and Response. The training informs participants of available campus safety resources, provides skill building for making safer choices on and off campus, and prepares community members with emergency response procedures to protect themselves in the event of a crisis.
Launched in Fall 2025, the training is delivered through the university’s learning management system, ensuring all community members are automatically enrolled. Topics include:
The program is paired with dedicated websites that highlight campus safety resources and provide emergency response guidelines.
Request a Safety Presentation
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services offers free (in-person or virtual) presentations to the university community (including the regional campuses and other sites) covering several topics, including but not limited to emergency preparedness, protective actions for life safety (evacuation, shelter, shelter-in-place, lockdown), business continuity, active threats, response to angry customers/patients, general campus safety and much more. Request a safety presentation today!
Other Programs and Initiatives
Chicago Campus East, Chicago Campus West, & UIC School of Law
Each year, the UICPD, the Office of Preparedness and Response, the Environmental Health and Safety Office, the Wellness Center, Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Campus Advocacy Network and other campus units provide programs for students and employees on topics such as personal safety; security awareness; active threat preparedness; self-defense; alcohol and drug abuse awareness; domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking prevention and awareness; fire safety; emergency response; evacuation procedures; theft prevention; residence hall security; and bike/pedestrian safety, to name a few.
Orientation
During new student and employee orientation, and periodically throughout the year, students and employees are informed about the types of crimes that occur on campus and prevention resources offered by the UICPD and other campus partners.
UIC SAFE App
UIC SAFE app is a free personal security tool that provides students, faculty, and staff with added safety on the campus. The app’s user-friendly interface allows users to easily connect with friends and family to share their location in real-time as they walk; it allows direct and easy contact with UICPD dispatchers and first responders in case of emergencies; and it provides easy access to crime/tip reporting forms, emergency response guidelines, and support resources for students and employees. The UIC SAFE App is available through the App Store and Google Play. Visit the UIC SAFE App website to learn more.
Street Safety for the Urban Explorer
This workshop teaches students and student groups how to stay safe in the city. Participants will learn how to recognize and avoid opportunistic crimes. Using demonstrations and easy safety strategies, participants discover how to maximize their personal safety. Street Safety for the Urban Explorer is offered by the UIC Wellness Center upon request.
Bicycle/E-scooter Theft and Registration Program
The Bicycle/E-scooter Registration Program was developed in 1993 as part of the Community Affairs/Crime Prevention program. Its purpose is to increase campus community awareness of the problem of bicycle theft and encourage the registration of as many bikes as possible to facilitate the recovery of stolen bicycles. Bicycles are registered through the Policing Advancing Community Engagement Unit and information is distributed throughout campus. In addition, signs are posted throughout campus, ads routinely appear in campus newspapers, and a master plan is maintained for campus bicycle parking sites, lighting, and signage. Bicycles are jointly registered with the UIC Police Department and the Chicago Police Department. To register your bicycle, please submit the bike registration form. Please note that your UIC bicycle tag will be mailed to the address you list on this form. To find out about a stolen bike, call the UIC Police Department at (312) 996-2830.
Town Halls
UIC periodically holds Town Hall meetings to discuss topics relevant to current campus events. In an effort to foster continued dialogue and productive discussion around campus safety, UIC has hosted a series of Town Hall meetings pertaining to campus safety. The Town Hall meetings on safety provided an opportunity for campus community members to express their opinion about current safety measures.
Public Safety Advisory Board
UIC Public Safety Board has been formally established as an enduring board to provide opportunities to improve the public safety on campus based on feedback gathered directly from community members. As part of these efforts, the board, in partnership with the UIC Police Department, will make recommendations about issues related to public safety at UIC, especially viewed from a perspective of racial equity and social justice. This Board is comprised of faculty, staff, students and community members who will meet at least once a month with leadership from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administrative Services and the UIC Police Department. The board will also meet with the Chancellor every semester to provide recommendations about public safety issues at UIC.
Community Relations Program
The Community Relations Program includes workshops and dissemination of crime prevention information on topics such as the responsibilities of the UICPD, the UIC Red Car service, information on sexual misconduct and other crimes, motor vehicle and bike theft, and personal safety information for students and employees. These programs are available to the campus community upon request and can be tailored to focus on particular aspects of crime prevention and safety.
Police Advancing Community Engagement Unit (PACE)
The UICPD Police Advancing Community Engagement Unit (PACE) is also part of Community Relations. The purpose of the program is to keep the UIC community safe and enhance awareness of personal safety. PACE is designed to enhance the quality of life within the campus and the surrounding community. PACE officers actively seek out problematic situations that may adversely affect the safety and security of the campus, work with UIC employees and students, and implement problem solving techniques to address the problems.
Police Officers assigned to the PACE Unit are responsible for:
The two Chicago campuses have been divided into geographic zones, with a specific officer assigned to each zone. Each officer is directly responsible for engaging UIC Deans (or designees), Department Heads, employees, and students to identify and positively address the complex issues that negatively impact the quality of campus life. Everyone is encouraged to reach out to their PACE officer by calling the UIC Police Community Relations office at (312) 996-6779.
UICPD Active Threat Preparedness Seminar
Preparing students and employees for a potential active threat incident is an integral part of UIC’s Emergency Response planning. These incidents are unpredictable and evolve quickly. The quality of each individual’s response can have a lasting impact on their own health, safety, and the broader university community, culture, and reputation. UIC offers Active Threat Preparedness Seminars upon request through the UICPD PACE unit.
During the UICPD Active Threat Preparedness Seminar, participants will learn:
Active Threat Preparedness Resources
UIC maintains a program for the prevention and response to active threats on campus, following the protocols, “Run, Hide, Fight.” A resource repository is maintained at go.uic.edu/AT that contains response instructions, prevention resources, toolkits for students and employees, and information on training or educational offerings available through the university. In addition, a UIC Active Threat Readiness educational video is available on the website and on YouTube. The video provides UIC community members with information on how to respond to an on-campus active threat incident and was filmed featuring UIC students and employees, on UIC’s campus. UIC encourages all community members to be aware and prepared for active threat incidents in order to protect themselves or others in the event such an emergency were to occur on campus.
Campus Violence Prevention Committee (CVPC)
The CVPC is tasked with implementing the campus Violence Prevention Plan (VPP), determining the individuals responsible for education and prevention of violence on campus, providing oversight to each of the Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams, and ensuring the integrity and coordination of the process. Additionally, it provides UIC-wide leadership and strategic direction on policy, protocol, and authority to conduct threat assessments.
Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams (BTAT)
The CVPC provides oversight to each of the Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams (BTATs), which consist of faculty; campus administration; student affairs; law enforcement; human resources; counseling services; residence life; local, county or major municipal emergency managers; and other disciplines as necessary. These teams establish a set of common-sense behavioral thresholds and when the staff of the university is in possession of information that an individual has crossed one of these thresholds, university personnel respond with a combination of:
This process of progressive community engagement is supported by the BTATs, which meet monthly or as needed. The BTATs are formally titled as the BTAT for Students (BTAT-S) and the BTAT for Employees (BTAT-E). All areas of the campus community are required to cooperate with requests from the BTATs relative to successfully monitoring any threatening behavior.
UICPD Student Internships
The Student Internships program is designed for a student to get a sense of what a career in law enforcement would entail. The intern will rotate through a variety of shifts and specialty units to understand the numerous tasks a law enforcement officer needs to deal with. This program is unpaid but does provide for course credit. Each semester, the UICPD accepts up to 3 Interns to the program, who will be notified by email that they have been selected for the semester. For any questions or for more information contact the PACE Unit at uicpdpace@uic.edu or at (312) 996-6779.
UICPD Child Safety Seat Program
The UICPD’s traffic safety program’s primary mission is to reduce traffic injury and fatalities while maintaining a safe environment for drivers/pedestrians in and around the UIC campus. Part of that mission is to assist the community to reduce the possibility of injury for children who may be passengers of vehicles. The UICPD offers free, interactive, comprehensive education and appointment-based child passenger safety seat instruction/installations to all people who want to better secure children. The facilitating team of police officers are Child Safety Seat Technicians who have received 32 hours of intensive hands-on instruction and are re-certified every two years to maintain proficiency in safety seat best practices and compliance with Illinois State Law. Contact (312) 996-2830 to schedule an appointment.
Safe Exchange Zone
The Safe Exchange Zone is an area where individuals can safely carry out legal swaps, sales or purchases on campus, as well as make child custody exchanges. The Safe Exchange Zone is clearly marked in the first-floor lobby of the UIC Police Station at 943 W. Maxwell St. Open 24 hours, the police-protected area has round-the-clock video surveillance, a seating area and appropriate lighting for meetups that happen during the day or after dark. The intent of the Safe Exchange Zone is to minimize any fraud-related losses that may occur while using a party’s personal electronic device. Possession of weapons on university property is prohibited, so exchanges involving weapons are not permitted in the space. Free parking is available for visitors; designated parking spaces are located adjacent to the police station.
Student Patrol
The UICPD Student Patrol was established in 1980 to act as the “eyes and ears” of the police and to handle non-law enforcement calls for service. The Student Patrol is comprised of a large contingent of students who provide an invaluable service to the UIC community. The Student Patrol members are normally deployed weekdays from 7:00 AM–11:00 PM for walking patrols to observe and report suspicious or criminal activity to the department.
The Student Patrol is responsible for:
Fleet Watch Program
The Fleet Watch Program includes Physical Plant staff who operate radio-dispatched maintenance vehicles and act as “eyes and ears” for the UICPD.
Campus Watch Program
The Campus Watch Program operates as an extension of the Fleet Watch Program. The Campus Watch Program relies on parking lot attendants, building service workers, and other staff members to report in-progress crimes or suspicious activities.
Walk and Talk Program
The Walk and Talk Program has UICPD officers on walking beats for the purpose of interviewing students and employees regarding the reporting of crime and safety concerns.
Emergency Phones
Emergency phones are kiosks that, when activated, provide a direct voice link to the UICPD. Computerized-access systems and extensive alarm systems are monitored by trained tele-communicators. The phones can be used to request help, report a crime in progress, report suspicious activities, and request an escort, or for any other type of emergency you may encounter. Emergency phones may be found in parking garages, elevators, stairwells, bathrooms, and on the emergency blue light poles in exterior areas along walking paths and outside buildings.
Closed-Circuit Television Systems
Closed-circuit television systems monitor high-risk and sensitive areas at the UIC Chicago Campus East and Chicago Campus West.
Exterior Security Posts
The UICPD has adjusted its safety measures on the Chicago Campus East and Chicago Campus West to include extra, visible contract security personnel. They are posted in visible locations and are being used as a visual deterrent and an extra set of eyes and ears during evening class hours. All exterior security officers are strategically posted near emergency call boxes (Blue Light Poles) for quick notifications to UICPD of any assistance needed.
Additional School of Law Programs
Students and employees at the UIC School of Law may benefit from the same crime prevention and security awareness programs as Chicago Campus East and Chicago Campus West populations. In addition to those programs, the School of Law Campus Safety and Security Department will organize and conduct educational training seminars for the campus community and its unit members. It selects programming for the campus community regarding safety topics applicable to the law school. The programming selected will be educational, current, and best practice. The unit also supports the mission of the UIC Office of Preparedness and Response, and UIC Police. The information shared will include material from our supporting departments and other applicable safety communications. Operational procedures are continuously reviewed and adjusted to the evolving needs of campus safety. Effective communication and information sharing are foundational to crime prevention and situational awareness.
The UIC Law Campus Safety and Security Unit is a uniformed team equipped with essential life-saving and protective tools, including Stop the Bleed kits, Naloxone (NARCAN), protective vests, and less-than-lethal equipment. To maintain a high standard of preparedness and professionalism, the unit utilizes certified agencies, qualified professionals, and approved online platforms to meet its security training objectives. Ongoing education and training are critical to enhancing officer readiness, promoting safety awareness, and ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery. Security officers receive regular updates through safety bulletins, revised procedures, and informational briefings.
School of Law Safety Announcements
The UIC School of Law is in an urban area of the City of Chicago that is separate from the UIC main campus. In order to share pertinent safety information with our university community the UIC Law Director of Campus Safety & Security will issue a Public Safety Announcement. The announcements are related to the location and operation of the School of Law.
School of Law Panic Buttons
The UIC School of Law utilizes the Net Support Notify as a panic button system in an emergency. When panic buttons are activated, it sends a silent message to each School of Law security desk and a Campus Safety and Security Department supervisor. A flash message indicating the location of the request, and an audible sound will alert security staff. There are approximately 50 panic buttons in office areas.
Safe Commute Resources
Paratransit & Ada Services
24-hour campus-wide paratransit services and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant intra-campus bus routes assist in providing barrier-free travel to UIC students and employees. Prior to requesting Paratransit Services, approval must be obtained from either the Disability Resource Center (for students) or the Office for Access and Equity (for employees). Visit the paratransit service website or call (312) 996-2842 for more information about paratransit services.
Library Shuttle Service
The Library Shuttle is a dedicated shuttle servicing the Daley Library during academic semesters Monday through Friday from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM. This service will be initiated at intervals determined by the Library staff, dispatching the shuttle based on demand. The Library Shuttle will drop patrons off anywhere within the Chicago Campus East and Chicago Campus West boundaries.
UIC Night Ride
The mission of the UIC Night Ride is to provide a safe and dependable means for students, staff, and authorized visitors of the UIC community to travel safely within the defined coverage area after the operational hours of UIC buses and shuttles. Night Ride is an on-call transportation service operating between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM 7 days per week to provide a safe after-hours transit option. Night Ride will drop patrons off anywhere within the Chicago Campus East, Chicago Campus West, and UIC School of Law coverage areas. To request Night Ride service, users must download the UIC Ride App.
Walking Safety Escort Program
The Walking Safety Escort service is an alternative to walking alone at night, on and around campus. A member of the police department (Student Patrol or Police Officer) will be dispatched to your location. Escorts should be requested 10 to 15 minutes before your departure to allow for proper availability of security personnel. To schedule a walking safety escort for the UIC main campus, please call (312) 996-2830, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To schedule a walking safety escort from the Campus Safety and Security Department for the UIC School of Law, please call (312) 427-2737 ext. 29511. Security walks to surrounding areas of the UIC School of Law are typically available from sunset until 30 minutes before the Law School campus closes, Monday through Friday. Security walks are not typically available at the School of Law on Saturday and Sunday.
UIC Ride App
The UIC Ride App is a key tool for navigating the East and West campuses, getting to classes safely, and traveling home late at night. The app includes intracampus bus routes and schedules, on-demand services, nearby public transit options, and more. The UIC Ride app allows users to:
UIC Safe App Safe Commute Resources
The Safe Commute feature on the UIC SAFE App connects campus community members with their options for traveling safely throughout the coverage areas of Chicago Campus East, Chicago Campus West, and the UIC School of Law. The UIC SAFE App also provides the campus community with additional options for safe commute, including:
Coverage Areas
Visit the UIC Transportation website for maps of the Chicago Campus East, Chicago Campus West, and UIC School of Law coverage areas for safe commute transportation services.
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Peoria Campus
Each year, the UIC Peoria Campus provides programming to students and employees on personal safety; security awareness; crime reporting; active shooter preparedness; alcohol and drug abuse awareness; domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and harassment prevention and awareness; emergency response; evacuation procedures; fire procedures; theft prevention; injury prevention; and building security.
Orientation
During new student and employee orientation, students and employees are informed about the types of crimes that occur on campus and prevention resources offered by the UICPD and the UIC regional campuses.
Safety Committee
This committee meets quarterly to discuss all aspects of safety, on- and off-campus, which may affect employees and students. Topics discussed include Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, chemical safety, human resources, laboratory animal care facilities, legal, patient care, and physical plant, along with employee and student issues. Safety plans are discussed, such as emergency response guidelines, evacuation plans, disaster plans, critical incident team, SMS emergency notification system, and weather emergency plans. All are updated as needed.
Escort Program
Employees and students may be escorted to their vehicle or monitored on closed circuit cameras by security personnel, at any time, night or day.
Emergency Phone Alarm Kiosks
Emergency phone alarms are kiosks that, when activated, provide a direct voice link to the Peoria PD. Computerized-access systems and extensive alarm systems are monitored by trained tele-communicators and police officers. The phones can be used to request help, report a crime in progress, report suspicious activities, and request an escort, or for any other type of emergency you may encounter.
Panic Switches
There are several panic switches located throughout the Peoria campus that, when activated, alert local law enforcement of an emergency or situation that requires law enforcement response at the Peoria campus.
Classroom & Conference Room “TeacherLock” System (Hostile Intruder Room Deterrent)
Peoria campus has a specialized room locking system call the “TeacherLock”. The lock is designed to be used in the event of a hostile intruder on campus. These specialized door locks are designed to meet ADA and NFSA codes compliance. The lock can be engaged in 10-15 seconds to secure a room and once engaged will secure a room until the law enforcement has stated the threat has ended. TeacherLock locks are installed on all classroom spaces and on conference rooms that are used as classrooms.
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Rockford Campus
Each year, the UIC Rockford Campus provided presentations, workshops and consultation to students and employees on personal safety; security awareness; active threat preparedness; domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and harassment prevention and awareness; emergency response; evacuation procedures; theft prevention; and building security.
Emergency Call Boxes
There are six, yellow-colored emergency call boxes located on parking lot light poles across the Rockford campus. When activated, emergency call boxes provide a direct voice link to local law enforcement via 911 operators. The phones can be used to request help, report a crime in progress, report suspicious activities, or for any other type of emergency you may encounter.
Panic Buttons
Panic buttons are installed in various locations around campus. These buttons provide a silent alarm signal to be transmitted to the local 911 dispatch center of the Rockford Police Department via the alarm monitoring company PerMar. This is a silent alarm and provides an emergency distress call to 911 that the RPD will respond to for investigation. Panic buttons are located in the following areas of campus: Student Health, Student Health Admin, Dean’s office, front desk, guard station, Commons kiosk, Library Activity Center 1st and 2nd floors.
Safety Orientations
Safety training is provided to new employees during new employee orientations, which are held each month. Safety training is provided to students during student orientations, which are held in August of each year. Safety training is also held for all incoming Residents participating in the residency program and Mile Square L.P. Johnson clinic. Topics covered at safety orientations include emergency preparedness, building security, and active shooter preparedness.
Annual Employee Safety Training
Online safety training is provided to all employees in November of each year. Topics covered in the online training include: security, fire safety, safety management, emergency management, and hazardous materials and waste.
Behavioral Intervention Team
The Behavior Intervention Team assists in protecting the health, safety and welfare of the members of the Rockford campus community by developing a structure for the systematic reporting of and response to the behavior of students or employees when such behavior is disruptive to themselves or the environment or may be in violation of UIC policies, and by providing support and advice to those who report concerns.
Safety Team
The Rockford campus safety team is committed to improving campus safety through a proactive, collaborative, coordinated, and thoughtful approach to the prevention, identification, assessment, and management of situations that pose a threat to the safety and well-being of the campus community.
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Springfield Campus
Each year, the UIC Springfield Campus community is provided programming for students and employees on personal safety; security awareness; emergency response; evacuation procedures; theft prevention; alcohol and drug abuse awareness; and domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and harassment prevention and awareness. UIC students and employees at the Springfield campus may benefit from the crime prevention and security awareness programs and initiatives available through the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS):
Locks
UIS controls the installation of lock-cores and the issuance of keys on UIS campus property. All keys are coded with a core number and a personal ID number rather than room numbers, so lost or stolen keys cannot be matched with a particular room or building.
Exterior Doors
Most exterior doors on UIS campus buildings are locked and secured each evening by the UIS Police Department (UISPD). Users of UIS campus buildings should not compromise security by propping open doors or loaning keys. During late night hours, UIS Police provide random patrols of UIS campus buildings and parking lots.
Camera Systems
The Springfield campus includes strategically placed video cameras for security purposes. They are monitored as needed and used while conducting criminal and security response activities.
Exterior Lighting
As part of their patrol responsibilities, UIS Police report repairs needed for exterior lighting on the Springfield campus. Students and staff are also asked to report exterior lighting deficiencies or other needed repairs and annually participate in a safety walk with UIS Police. To improve nighttime visibility, trees, shrubs, and vegetation on campus are trimmed. A periodic security survey is performed by UISPD to identify any lighting concerns, and landscaping concerns are periodically reviewed.
Crime Prevention Officer
In addition to the overall department’s commitment to preventing crime as part of policing efforts, UISPD support a Crime Prevention Officer on the Springfield campus who holds an increased level of expertise and training. This officer supports the overall department’s efforts in crime prevention, including coordinating presentations and serving as a resource on facility issues using Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) concepts. The officer is also responsible for analyzing crime trends so that the department can better respond to safety issues facing the campus.
Safe Walk Program
Anyone may request a UIS Police escort on the Springfield campus to a campus housing unit, to any campus building, or to a vehicle in a campus parking lot by calling the UISPD. The UISPD non-emergency number is (217) 206-6690.
Rave Guardian App
The Rave Guardian mobile app provides a quick connection to the UIS Police Department—Activate a virtual escort, call the police and share your GPS location through the app, or send a text to the dispatcher.
Safety Video
The UISPD make available to all UIS-affiliated employees and students a training video entitled “Shots Fired.” This UIS Safety Video provides practical information on how to respond to an active shooter.
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Urbana Campus
Each year, the UIC Urbana Campus community is provided programming for students and employees on the campus resources; campus safety; and domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and harassment prevention and awareness. Students also receive a copy of the presentation and the information is emailed to them several times during each semester.
Information about safety classes and other programming provided by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Police Department (UIUCPD) is listed on the UIUC Division of Public Safety website. UIC students and employees at the Urbana Campus may benefit from the crime prevention and security awareness programs and initiatives available through UIUC:
Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Presentations
The bicycle and pedestrian safety program focuses on proper fit for bikes, rules of the road, and riding techniques for campus and the surrounding area as well as laws that pertain to pedestrians.
De-Escalating Communication
In this training on de-escalation communication, UIUCPD provide front office staff with positive communication skills that will de-escalate situations that may not require police intervention. This is an important safety skill for all staff and students who work with the public.
Office Safety and Security
UIUCPD Community Outreach and Support Team officers provide safety and security tips for your office or personal workspace. Learn how to avoid becoming a target of thieves and how to respond should you ever find yourself in an emergency situation.
Residence Hall Security Program
UIUC University Housing and UIUCPD Community Outreach and Support Team officers visit residence halls to discuss safety procedures with students. Information covered includes the types of problems that can occur in residence halls, along with safety and security tips for residence hall living.
Greek Housing Security Program
UIUC University Housing and Community Outreach and Support Team officers visit sororities and fraternities to discuss safety procedures with students. Information covered includes the types of problems that can occur within Greek life, along with safety and security tips for general campus living.
International Student Orientations
University Police participate in virtual meetings with new and transfer students from other countries who may be preparing to visit the United States for the first time. UIUCPD provide safety tips, specifically addressing areas where international students may be at heightened risk because of differences in culture or new experiences.
New Student and Employee Orientations
The UIUCPD provide safety and crime prevention information during summer registration sessions for incoming freshman. The program is also offered to any organization wishing to provide safety and crime prevention information to new employees and students. Specialized orientation sessions are held for units desiring a more in-depth view of safety on campus.
Faculty-Staff Firearms Safety Program
The UIUCPD wants its campus community members who choose to own firearms at home to do so safely. The Faculty-Staff Firearms Safety Program gives those community members a chance to learn from trained police officers how to safely handle, store and use firearms.
Community Outreach and Support Team
UIUCPD support a Community Outreach and Support Team with sworn staff holding an increased level of expertise and training. This unit supports the overall department’s efforts in crime prevention, including coordinating presentations and serving as a resource. The unit is also responsible for deploying Response, Evacuation and Crisis Help (REACH) social workers and Behavioral Health Detectives who respond to mental health-related emergencies and offer follow-up services.
Emergency Phones
The university has an extensive network of blue emergency phones located in all campus buildings, parking garages, and many bus shelters. They are also located on streets and walkways across campus in the familiar lighted emergency kiosks. The phones are connected directly to UIUCPD and are monitored 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, including all holidays. The phones can be used to request help, report a crime in progress, report suspicious activities, request a SafeWalks escort, or for any other type of emergency. When the call button is pressed, the call will be answered by an on-duty UIUCPD staff member. They will ask the caller to explain the situation and will send the appropriate help. Locations of the exterior emergency phones are listed at go.illinois.edu/ephones.
Lighting Committee
The UIUC Campus Lighting Committee is an important component of UIUC efforts to provide a safe and secure environment, underscoring UIUC’s commitment to the safety and well-being of students, employees, and the public. The committee is responsible for determining areas where supplemental lighting will enhance security and safety, developing recommendations for the placement of lighting and emergency telephones, and studying the campus’ long-term needs related to upgraded security lighting policies and practices.
Public Safety Advisory Committee
The Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC) was established to serve in an official advisory capacity at UIUC. The mission of the PSAC is to ensure that the Division of Public Safety remains responsive to the needs of the campus and local communities, and to provide the administration and the Executive Director of Public Safety with regular input on issues surrounding crime and fear abatement, law enforcement, public safety, and emergency preparedness. The role of the PSAC is advisory and consulting, and should enhance Public Safety’s community-oriented public safety philosophy.
Administrative Clery Committee
This committee is comprised of the following UIUC departments who meet to review UIUC Clery Act compliance efforts and make recommendations to the UIUC Clery Compliance Coordinator regarding UIUC’s Clery Act obligations: Division of Intercollegiate Athletics; Division of Public Safety; Facilities and Services; Housing Division; Illinois Human Resources; Illinois International; Office for Access and Equity; Student Conflict Resolution; Student Financial Aid; Dean of Students; Provost; Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs; Public Affairs; Title IX; Office of University Counsel; University Ethics and Compliance Office; and University Office of Capital Programs and Real Estate Services.
Threat Assessment Team
The UIUC Threat Assessment Team (TAT) collects and review reports of behavior exhibited by employees, students, and others exhibiting aberrant, dangerous, or threatening behavior that might impact the safety or well-being of the campus community. The team then determines the most appropriate action to mitigate the threat. The TAT is founded on the principles of early intervention and proactive engagement to prevent violence and provide supportive services. Team members are committed to improving community safety through a proactive, collaborative, coordinated, objective, and thoughtful approach to violence prevention and supportive interventions. The TAT includes members from Faculty/Staff Assistance Services, Illinois Human Resources, the Office of Access and Equity, the Office of the Chancellor, the Office of the Dean of Students, the Office of the Provost, the Office of University Counsel (advisory only), and the UIUCPD.
Safewalks
UIUC SafeWalks is a free walking escort service provided by trained UIUCPD Student Patrol officers for university students and employees so no one has to travel alone at night. By walking in groups, campus community members reduce their risk of being targeted by a criminal. SafeWalks can be requested by calling (217) 333-1216. SafeWalks are available from 9:00 PM to 2:30 AM every night, and until 3:00 AM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
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Personal Safety Tips
Being alert and using common sense are the best ways to prevent crime from happening to you and those around you. Continued vigilance is necessary to help you from becoming a victim of a crime. By taking the simple steps discussed below, you can reduce the possibility of becoming a victim.
Residence Halls
While thefts, robberies, and other unlawful activity occur at a relatively low rate, following basic crime prevention tips will assist in mitigating the risk of becoming a victim. When entering the residence halls, please adhere to all rules and guidelines of access. DO NOT allow strangers or unauthorized persons into controlled areas. Make sure that you lock your doors and windows when leaving your room. A majority of reported thefts from residence rooms occur when the victim has left their room for a short amount of time, while leaving their door and/or windows unlocked. Lastly, it is imperative that any and all suspicious persons be reported immediately to the UICPD, UISPD, UIUCPD, or local law enforcement. A delay could mean the difference in preventing an unlawful act or apprehending the offender during a crime. When in doubt, call 911.
Street Sense
Other Safety Tips
