Safety on Campus
Who is in charge of campus security and law enforcement?
The UIS campus police department is responsible for law enforcement and security on UIS property. The campus police department is staffed 24 hours a day by trained police officers and police telecommunicators.
The campus police department uses two approaches in its efforts to prevent crime. First, eliminating or minimizing opportunity for crime; and second, encouraging students and employees to be responsible for their own security and the security of others.
What authority do campus police officers have?
Campus police officers have full law enforcement authority granted by the Illinois General Assembly under chapter 110, section 305/7, Illinois Compiled Statutes. Their jurisdiction includes all property owned or controlled by UIS, as well as roads adjacent to and running through the campus. The campus police officers receive the same training as all other public law enforcement officers in the state of Illinois. The campus police department places special emphasis on training and education.
Campus police officers work with the city of Springfield police department, the Sangamon County sheriff's office, the Illinois state police, and other municipal, state and federal law-enforcement agencies, and all appropriate agencies of the criminal justice system.
Think "Safety" on Campus
- Whenever you are walking between classes, or are in the library, shopping, or driving, stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
- Walk with confidence; show that you're aware and in control. Body language is important.
- Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, leave the area immediately. Call the campus police as soon as possible.
- Walk with a friend whenever possible.
- Don't fumble in your pocket or purse for your door key, have it in hand before reaching your home or car.
- Stay in well-lighted, well-traveled areas; do not take shortcuts!
- Avoid jogging or biking alone. If you must go by yourself, stay clear of isolated or poorly lighted areas.
- If you're out late studying or working after hours, call the campus police for an escort when you're ready to leave.
- Watch your purse, backpack, and briefcase. Don't take a break and leave them behind.
- Consider carrying your purse under your coat to avoid theft.
- If you think someone is following you, abruptly switch directions or cross the street. If you're still being followed, head in the direction of other people or to a Code Blue Emergency telephone and notify the campus police.
- Make sure a roommate or friend knows your routines; tell someone if you are going to be late or are going away.
Telephone, Door-to-Door, and Street Solicitations
The Better Business Bureau offers these guidelines regarding solicitations.
When you are approached for a contribution of either your time or your money, ask questions, and don't give a donation until you're satisfied with the answers. charities with nothing to hide will encourage your interest. Be wary of their reluctance or inability to answer questions.
- Ask for the charity's full name and address. Demand identification from the solicitor.
- Ask if your contribution is tax deductible. Contributions to tax exempt organizations are not always tax deductible.
- Ask if the charity is licensed by the state and local authorities. Registration of licensing is required by most state and many communities. However, bear in mind that registration in and of itself does not imply that the state and local government endorses the charity.
- Don't succumb to pressure to give money on the spot or allow a "runner" to pick up the contributions; the charity that needs your money today will welcome it just as much tomorrow.
- Watch out for statement such as "all proceeds will go to the charity." This can mean that the money left after expenses, such as the cost of written materials and fundraising efforts, will go to the charity. These expenses can make a big difference, so check carefully.
- When you're asked to buy candy, magazines, cards, or tickets to a dinner or show to benefit the charity, be sure to ask what the charity's share will be. You cannot deduct the full amount paid for any such items, as the Internal Revenue Service considers only the part above the fair-market value of the item to be a charitable contribution. For example, if you pay $10 for a box of candy that normally sells for $8, only $2 can be claimed as a charitable donation.
- Call your local Better Business Bureau if a fund raiser uses pressure tactics such as intimidation, threats, or repeated and harassing calls or visits. Such tactics violate the Council for Better Business Bureau's recommended Standards for Charitable Solicitations.
UIS Campus Police
Emergency: (217) 206-7777
Non-emergency: (217) 206-6690
