University Police to begin using license plate reader technology
URBANA, Illinois – Five license plate readers will be installed at key locations on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus as University Police seek modern solutions to maintain campus safety. The technological tools will complement the ongoing proactive policing and outreach initiatives that University Police have already undertaken – including extra patrols, new security cameras, additional safety education and supportive mental health resources provided through its REACH team, along with other collaborative university initiatives. “Technology like this is a valuable deterrence and enforcement tool, and the license plate readers add another layer of safety to our campus area,” said U. of I. [...]
Demanding social media access
A U. of I. student reported that she had received multiple unwanted phone calls and text messages from an unknown person over the weekend. The caller demanded access to the student’s social media contacts and threatened to harm the student if she refused to comply.
Fake job ad
Two U. of I. students reported that they had received an email from an unknown person advertising a work-from-home job. The email included a link to a form that requested more information from the students, like home address, phone numbers and other personal information. The students completed the forms. No money was exchanged, but it is believed that the scammer obtained personal information.
Officer brings experience, insight to athletic liaison position
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Chris Williams was one of the newest members of the Fighting Illini football program this year, but not in a role you might expect. Williams is not a player, and he’s not a member of the coaching staff. He is a University of Illinois Police officer – and he hopes that he can add friend and mentor to that title as well. Williams has embedded with the team this season through the new University Police athletic liaison program. The initiative has two primary objectives: keep the team safe and interact with members of the program so that [...]
Division of Public Safety releases 2022-2025 strategic plan
URBANA, Ill. – The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Division of Public Safety this week published its 2022-2025 strategic plan, which outlines its values, goals and objectives for the next few years. The plan is built around seven pillars: community engagement, the Community Outreach and Support Team, communication, employee development, maintaining a safe campus environment, technology and resilience. The plan can be accessed here. Each pillar includes specific goals the department intends to accomplish before 2025, including ensuring transparency in department initiatives, identifying disconnects with the community, proactively communicating about safety, enhancing training, preventing crime, deploying technological solutions for complex public safety [...]