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OPS Director: Campus Safety

August 24, 2015

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Dear Campus Community:

As we begin a new academic year at Western Illinois University, it's essential that information is shared regarding the services, resources and assistance available through Western's Office of Public Safety. Our 24 police officers ensure the safety and security of students, faculty, staff and campus visitors, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We are committed to deterring crime; protecting life and property; maintaining peace, order and safety; enforcing local, state and federal laws and University policies; providing parking services; and safeguarding our community's constitutional rights. We are partners with all members of the WIU community in providing a safe environment, and we work hard to ensure a campus that is pleasant and secure.

Some of our safety programs and strategies include:
• A campus-based escort system
• Western's Emergency Alert System
• Emergency blue light callboxes
• A dedicated group of team police stationed in the residence halls
• Crime victim assistance and advocacy
• Maintenance and support/oversight of the non-transport emergency medical service, Western's Emergency Medical Services (WEMS)
• Student patrols
• Campus-sponsored prevention programs to educate the community about sexual assault, stalking and other violent offenses

In addition to routine patrol by car, OPS officers patrol campus on foot and bicycles, as well as in the residence halls. The officers provide security and traffic control at University events; conduct building safety checks; and sponsor educational programming.

Western's Student Patrol is available to provide escorts on campus during the evening to the early morning hours. Student Patrol can be reached by calling OPS at (309) 298-1949. If a Student Patrol member is not available, OPS officers will also provide escorts on campus.

There are 48 emergency callboxes at strategic locations throughout campus. Without dialing, the caller is immediately connected with OPS; the location of the call is automatically recorded, and response is almost immediate. Public Safety may also be reached in an emergency by dialing 9-1-1 from any campus phone. In a non-emergency, the number is (309) 298-1949. Please add our phone number to your contacts list.

With no intent to victim blame and recognizing that only perpetrators are responsible, the following are some personal safety strategies:
• Use the OPS Student Patrol Escort System (298-1949) or Go West, the University's transit system.
• Be aware of your surroundings and try to avoid isolated areas.
• Walk with purpose and trust your instincts.
• Make sure your cell phone is with you and charged.
• Don't allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don't trust or someone you don't know.
• When at a social gathering, go with a group of friends (arrive together, check in with each other throughout the evening, and leave together).
• Don't leave your drink unattended and don't accept drinks from people you don't know or trust; don't feel obligated to do anything you don't want to do.
• Be an active bystander. Call the police if you see a crime being committed!
• Lock your room/apartment/office door, even if you are gone for only a few minutes.
• Do not leave backpacks, books, purses or personal property unattended.

If you have concerns or questions or need to report a crime or suspicious behavior, please call OPS immediately or visit Mowbray Hall at any time [(309) 298-1949]. In addition, reports of sexual violence may be made to the Title IX coordinator at Title-IX@wiu.edu or (309) 298-1977.

Should you become a victim of a crime, there are many resources in place on University campus and within the community to help you. The University Counseling Center provides free counseling services to currently enrolled Western Illinois University undergraduate and graduate students. The UCC can be reached at (309) 298-2453. The University offers a student hotline [(309) 298-3211 or (866) 435-0480], and the Western Illinois Regional Council's Victim Services unit provides a 24-hour crisis line [(309) 837-5555].

For more information about Office of Public Safety resources and services, contact the Office of Public Safety at (309) 298-1949 or email publicsafety@wiu.edu. You can also find additional campus security information at wiu.edu/ops.

I would also like to remind members of our campus community to pay attention when walking throughout campus and the community. Use the sidewalks and crosswalks, and remain alert, with your head up, while walking. When you are looking down at a phone, texting and reading emails, you put yourselves and others at risk. Drivers, please also be mindful of pedestrians and observe traffic laws, including stopping at crosswalks to allow pedestrians time to pass and do not pass school buses.

We look forward to working with each of you to make the 2015-16 a safe and productive school year.

Scott Harris
Director
Western Illinois University Office of Public Safety



Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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