New academy trains social workers and police officers together
URBANA, Illinois – A new program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign trains professionals who work at the intersection of law enforcement and mental health, and the one-week academy may be the first of its kind. Mental health emergencies often prompt community members to call 911 – either because the person experiencing the emergency is at risk of harming themselves or they are creating a public safety hazard. Historically, police officers have been the first responders dispatched to address the 911 call. While some police officers have crisis intervention training, none are mental health professionals or experienced clinicians. That’s why [...]
University Police hiring unarmed community service officers
URBANA, Illinois – The University of Illinois Police Department soon will begin deploying unarmed community service officers to non-emergency incidents in the campus area, and the department is hiring right now. Four community service officers will be available to respond to less serious calls for service. That should free up sworn officers to do more proactive crime prevention work and help with response times to more serious offenses and crimes in progress. “CSOs will be a great complement to our existing police staffing and enhance our overall service to the campus community,” said Executive Director of Public Safety and University [...]
‘Cherries and Berries’ event rescheduled for May 4
This has been reposted to reflect the updated date and time after the event was rescheduled. The event will happen on May 4. URBANA, Ill. – The University of Illinois Police Department is collaborating with the Illinois Army ROTC, Chez Veterans Center, Urbana Park District and the YMCA to invite community members to family-oriented event to support wounded veterans. The event – called “Cherries and Berries” in reference to the red and blue lights on police cars – will happen from noon to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4, on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign South Quad. Attendees can expect a [...]
UIPD Perspectives: Protection of minors specialist committed to keeping kids safe
By Abbigail Kepp URBANA, Illinois — The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign creates educational and developmental spaces for people of all ages, children included. With so many events throughout the year for which minors will be present on campus, University Police have processes in place to keep kids safe. University Police are highlighting the program in observation of Child Abuse Prevention Month. One person in particular serves as the central manager of those efforts. In 2019, Stephanie Vogelsang was hired as the Protection of Minors Compliance Specialist. The position was created when university administrators determined that having a full-time employee dedicated solely [...]
Community names new University Police therapy K9
URBANA, Ill. – There’s a new Kirby in town. The University of Illinois Police Department’s newest therapy dog – still a puppy – got his official name in March after Illinois Student Government representatives submitted nominations and community members were polled on four name options. After submitting just over 1,000 votes in total, more than half of voters preferred Kirby. Kirby is named after the well-known Kirby Avenue, an arterial road through campus bordered by iconic Fighting Illini athletic facilities like Memorial Stadium and State Farm Center. Kirby Avenue is a center of activity for students, faculty, staff, alumni and [...]