UIPD Perspectives: Protection of minors specialist committed to keeping kids safe
By Abbigail Kepp URBANA, Illinois — The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign creates educational and developmental spaces for people of all ages, children included. With so many events throughout the year for which minors will be present on campus, University Police have processes in place to keep kids safe. University Police are highlighting the program in observation of Child Abuse Prevention Month. One person in particular serves as the central manager of those efforts. In 2019, Stephanie Vogelsang was hired as the Protection of Minors Compliance Specialist. The position was created when university administrators determined that having a full-time employee dedicated solely [...]
Payment for services
The student’s brother had entered into a professional services agreement with an unknown person online, and the student agreed to accept payment for that work on his brother’s behalf. The unknown person sent a check exceeding the amount that the student’s brother was to be paid, with instructions to cash the check and return the difference. The student recognized the likely scam and turned over the fraudulent check to the police.
Tax fraud
A U. of I. student reported that someone had filed a fraudulent tax return in his name. The student is working with the Internal Revenue Service to resolve the identity theft.
Community names new University Police therapy K9
URBANA, Ill. – There’s a new Kirby in town. The University of Illinois Police Department’s newest therapy dog – still a puppy – got his official name in March after Illinois Student Government representatives submitted nominations and community members were polled on four name options. After submitting just over 1,000 votes in total, more than half of voters preferred Kirby. Kirby is named after the well-known Kirby Avenue, an arterial road through campus bordered by iconic Fighting Illini athletic facilities like Memorial Stadium and State Farm Center. Kirby Avenue is a center of activity for students, faculty, staff, alumni and [...]
Champaign man arrested for public indecency on campus
URBANA, Illinois – A 32-year-old Champaign man was arrested this week after University of Illinois Police investigators determined that he was involved in at least two incidents of public indecency. Michael J. Campbell was arrested Tuesday at his home in the 300 block of West Washington Street, Champaign, following the investigation into two separate events on March 11 and March 14. On March 11, a U. of I. student reported that she saw a man walk into a women’s restroom in the basement of Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana. Thinking the man had mistakenly [...]