UIPD’s new drug-sniffing dog on streets soon
https://youtu.be/7HH1vZqPbUk URBANA – The University of Illinois Police Department’s new narcotics K9, Chewy, is expected to be ready for his first patrol by mid-August. The 15-month-old German Shepherd from Slovakia is currently in training with his handler, Officer Doug Beckman, and is expected to be a valuable resource for the department. Police dogs like Chewy help not only with finding drugs and other concealed items, but also are trained in tracking fleeing offenders and help to protect officers. Chewy is Beckman’s third dog in 17 years, and the name is a shortened version of Chewbacca. Both of Beckman’s previous two [...]
Getting to know Lt. Joan Fiesta
We had 11 questions for Lt. Joan Fiesta in our ongoing series to get up close and personal with Division of Public Safety employees: How long have you worked for UIPD? Since 1991. I started as a quiet Student Patrol Officer then as a sworn officer in 1993. What is one thing that makes you different? I play Québécois fiddle. I guess that is different. What is something you’d like to see changed on campus or in the community? I want a mascot named Ghost. He is grey, is a horse, and gallops. At least in my mind he is. I [...]
UIPD recognizes officer of the year, others for service
CHAMPAIGN — The University of Illinois Police Department this month held its annual awards ceremony, which included recognition for the outstanding work of officers, civilian staff and community members. Officer Michelle Ortiz was chosen by her peers as the Ralph F. Hamlin Officer of the Year. Here's her citation, as it was read during the June 3 ceremony: Ortiz has been an officer with UIPD since 2002. During her time, she has been involved in numerous areas of the department, including Metro SWAT, crime scene technician, honor guard, R.A.D., less-lethal instructor, fitness program, strategy and tactics, and control tactics. Outside of the [...]
Getting to know Officer Ryan Snow
We had 11 questions for Officer Ryan Snow in our ongoing series to get up close and personal with Division of Public Safety employees: How long have you worked for UIPD? Since 2012 What is one thing that makes you different? I have my Drug Recognition Expert Certification. There are only approximately 50 officers in the state of Illinois that holds that certification and I am the only one in Champaign County. What is something you’d like to see changed on campus or in the community? I would like to see the community reach out more and invite conversations with [...]
Planning for the worst: Emergency Management prepares hundreds of buildings
URBANA — Emergencies can happen anywhere, and at any time. The Emergency Management bureau at the University of Illinois Police Department works full-time to prepare for the eventual campus emergency, whether it is fire, severe weather or another kind of active threat. In recent years, the four-person team has coordinated the completion of 325 (and counting) building emergency action plans, which are documents designed to assist building occupants with their emergency planning and response efforts. The effort is no small task – OSHA regulations require continuous updating of contact lists, emergency procedures, and ongoing training, among other mandates. The four-person [...]