Getting to know Telecommunicator Kristy Mecum
We had 12 questions for Telecommunicator Kristy Mecum in our ongoing series to get to know Division of Public Safety staff. How long have you worked for the Division of Public Safety? 12 years What's a typical day like for you? Unfortunately not very exciting at work or at home. At home I take care of 4 animals; I walk one of my dogs and spend time with the other one outside since she doesn't walk well. I don't have kids, so most of my time is spent with my pets or working on our new house. At work, I assist [...]
Police chief offers message following court decision
A message from Police Chief Jeff Christensen: Yesterday in a Champaign County court, Robbie M. Patton, 19, was convicted of first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated battery with a firearm in relation to a tragic incident which took place just more than a year ago several blocks from campus, where one visitor to our community was killed and three others were wounded. The conviction is, in large part, because of the diligent work of the Champaign Police Department and the Office of the Champaign County State’s Attorney. While the news is reassuring that he will be held accountable for [...]
Street Crimes unit continues work to stop violence
This article was originally published in the University of Illinois Police Department Year In Review. To learn more about other department initiatives, statistics and goals, please review the report. CHAMPAIGN — Instances of gun violence in the greater Champaign-Urbana area continue to drop, in large part because of the work of the multi-agency Street Crimes Task Force. While gun violence on campus is rare, some areas of Champaign-Urbana do experience isolated instances of firearms-related crimes. And in September 2016, it became tragically clear that areas very close to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus are not immune. Early on Sunday, [...]
Traffic advisory: Gameday closures will affect Friday traffic
CHAMPAIGN – To accommodate this Friday night’s Fighting Illini football game versus Nebraska, daytime street closures may affect drivers traveling through campus. Friday’s street closures are as follows: Beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, Kirby Avenue will be closed between First and Fourth streets.Beginning at 11 a.m. Friday, First Street will be closed between Peabody Drive and Kirby Avenue.Beginning at 4:30 p.m. Friday, First Street will be closed between Stadium Drive and Kirby Avenue.Beginning at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Peabody Drive will be closed between First and Fourth streets. Most gameday parking lots will open at 7 a.m., but certain lots will [...]
Training coordinator earns IPEM accreditation
URBANA – Another member of the University of Illinois Police Department’s emergency planning team earned her professional accreditation this month while two others were recertified. Emergency Planning Training Coordinator Stephanie Vogelsang was has been accredited as an Illinois Professional Emergency Manager (IPEM). She received her certificate in Springfield, Illinois, on Sept. 6, and the status puts her in an elite group of emergency planning experts in the state. The university’s Office of Campus Emergency Planning coordinates emergency preparedness and ongoing training to ensure that the campus is ready for natural or man-made disasters it may face – including things like [...]