Sexual violence detective hopes to support survivors
URBANA – A University of Illinois Police detective was one of 10 law enforcement officials in the country chosen to receive a scholarship to attend a conference which aims to prevent violence against women. U. of I. Police Det. Rachael Ahart will be able to use the scholarship to attend the International Conference on Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and Systems Change presented by End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI). The scholarship is funded by the U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women. "I am excited to have received a law enforcement scholarship to attend the International Conference on [...]
University Police offer safety tips for winter break
URBANA — As the school enters its hiatus 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. Joan Fiesta. Travel safely. Driving conditions in the Midwest can deteriorate [...]
Getting to know Det. Eric Stiverson
We had 13 questions for Detective Eric Stiverson in our ongoing series to get to know Division of Public Safety staff: How long have you worked for the Division of Public Safety? Four years. What's a typical day like for you? Every day is pretty much different; however, I do spend a lot of time on the phone, watching security video, and looking for people who don't want to be found. What's your favorite part of your job? What's the worst? Finding people who don't want to be found is my favorite part of my job. The least favorite part [...]
Officers go scruffy for a good cause
URBANA — University of Illinois Police officers and staff are giving new meaning to the term “the fuzz” this month. Officers have once again been given the all-clear to bend the department’s appearance standards for a good cause during No-Shave November. Officers and staff members who donate at least $20 to the American Cancer Society will be allowed to ditch the razor for 30 days during November. The effort raised $400 last year and $555 in 2014. The primary focus of No-Shave November is to promote cancer awareness and to spark meaningful discussions about the disease throughout the campus community [...]
Public safety, city officials engage students at safety forum
CHAMPAIGN — Police chiefs and elected officials from the cities of Champaign and Urbana on Thursday night asked that students and others be actively involved in the safety of the campus community by calling 911 and informing police if they see something suspicious. The campus safety forum at the Student Dining and Residential Programs building at Ikenberry Commons was organized by the Illinois Student Senate following a Sept. 25 shooting on Green Street. Public safety officials reassured students that the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus is a safe one, but the September incident is a strong reminder that no [...]