New state law strengthens stalking protections
URBANA, Ill. – During national Stalking Awareness Month, the University of Illinois Police Department wants to remind students, faculty and staff of the resources available if they ever feel their safety is threatened by another person – including a new state law that strengthens protections against unwanted social media contact. According to the Stalking Prevention, Awareness, and Resource Center (SPARC), stalking affects one in six women and one in 17 men across the United States. Many stalking victims experience being followed, approached, monitored or threatened and, as a result, struggle with things like anxiety or severe depression as a result. [...]
Chat with Chief Stone: Police department resources
The University of Illinois Police Department is here to keep you safe, and it provides a number of different services that can help you while you are on campus. This month, we’re speaking with Executive Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police Craig Stone to talk about what the police department does, and how you can ask for help if you ever need it. Q: What services does the university police department provide to keep the campus community safe? Chief Stone: We provide many of the services that any other police department provides. We offer 24/7 police patrol of [...]
U. of I. Police reiterate safety tips in advance of break
As the semester ends and many students leave campus, those who stay during the break should take precautions to make sure they stay safe.With fewer people in the area, that also provides criminals with better opportunities to commit their crimes. But there are a few things you can do to significantly reduce your risk of being targeted by an offender. “These are things we want our campus community members to be doing year-round, but the campus environment during the break makes these tips particularly helpful,” said Lt. Joseph McCullough. Use SafeWalks. The free walking escort services provided by trained Student Patrol officers continues [...]
UIPD lieutenant honored as ISSS campus partner
URBANA, Ill. – Lt. Joan Fiesta was honored this week as one of International Student and Scholar Services’ 2018 Outstanding Campus Partners. Lt. Fiesta now serves as the department’s daytime patrol supervisor, but over the past year she oversaw the crime prevention unit. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) has been a key partner for the police department over the years in developing safety and crime prevention resources for students who come from abroad. Lt. Fiesta also traveled to China and South Korea during the summer to present during the university’s in-country orientations for new students who reside overseas. The [...]
U. of I. Police remind students of resources as finals approach
URBANA, Ill. – The University of Illinois Police Department wants students to know that public safety personnel are here to help if they need anything with final exams coming up. For some students, studying for finals means late nights at libraries and other campus buildings. Those needing to travel on campus at night are encouraged to use the SafeWalks service, which operates from 9 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. “Theft and robbery often are crimes of opportunity, and criminals tend to target individuals who are walking alone [...]