Clery Law Reports

Western Illinois University Student Right-to-Know Act, Campus Security Act, and Drug-Free School and Communities Act Information

This report is published in compliance with Public Law 101-542: Student Right to Know and Campus Security Act.

Reporting Crimes

All reports of crime on University property should be reported to campus police for investigation. The Office of Public Safety has the responsibility for handling all crimes reported on campus and subsequently providing related information for inclusion in the "Uniform Crime Report," the State of Illinois' publication, "Crime In Illinois," and disseminating relevant information to other cooperating police agencies. The University Police enlists the City, County, or State Police in the event an incident appears likely to cross into their jurisdictions or when need for mutual aid for additional resources dictates.

There are 51 police emergency call boxes located across campus. Without dialing, the caller is immediately in contact with the campus police department. 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 on any campus phone. In a non-emergency, the number is (309)298-1949. Public Safety is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Campus Safety in General

Public Safety personnel and members of the University Physical Plant assess the physical condition of the campus facilities -- including landscaping, grounds keeping, and outdoor lighting -- on a regular basis during their tours of duty. All staff and members of the University community are encouraged to report any deficient physical conditions through campus mail or by calling directly to the Facilities Management ((309)298-1834) or the Office of Public Safety ((309)298-1949).

Western Illinois University does have a right to limit access to its campus and to control activities on campus.

The entrances of each residence hall are locked nightly. Residents entering their building after hours use their residence hall key to gain access to the building. Elevators in freshman-sophomore residence halls are secured. Only residents of a floor can gain access to that floor by using their room key in the elevator. After normal operating hours other facilities are secured with access restricted to authorized University personnel. During fall and spring breaks special attention ensures that buildings stay locked and secure by increasing selective patrol activity. Closed circuit television surveillance systems are operational in all the halls.

State law prohibits the possession or storage of firearms, or any other dangerous weapon, on state supported property. Only sworn campus police officers are authorized to carry weapons while on campus. Any exception to this law must be personally approved by the Director of Public Safety.

Safety Programs/Media Exposure

All student housing residents are informed about security procedures, enforcement and prevention through ongoing programs sponsored in the residence halls as well as during pre-campus visits such as orientation. Uniformed foot patrol officers work in cooperation with University Housing and Dining Services to intensify crime patrol in residential areas and to present programs to students on campus safety, theft prevention, DUI, drug abuse and sexual assault.

The campus community is informed of security and safety issues regularly by the campus media and publications carrying news and information for the University community. The media includes the student newspaper, The Western Courier, "Crime Stoppers," which is carried on all radio stations, and the Macomb Journal.

Drugs and Alcohol

The University's faculty, administration, and staff recognize the responsibility and potential harm inherent in the use of alcoholic beverages and drugs. The University is committed to support the laws of the State of Illinois and reflects that support in its policies and procedures. Illinois law states that a person who is less than 21 years of age and who attempts to purchase, purchases, consumes and/or possesses any alcohol commits a misdemeanor offense. It is also a violation of municipal ordinance to do the same or have open alcohol in a public place even if over 21. The University follows the state law regarding intoxicating beverages. Students are expected to conduct themselves both individually and collectively in a responsible manner. Abusive or excessive consumption of alcohol resulting in interference with the rights of other persons, personal injury or damage to property will result in disciplinary action, arrest, or both. More information may be obtained from the Student Handbook.

The Office of Public Safety also conducts drug investigations. Those selling drugs on campus, when apprehended, are dealt with by the utilization of the criminal justice system and the Student Conduct Code. The medically unsupervised use or distribution of drugs such as marijuana, hallucinogens, amphetamines, cocaine, barbiturates, or other dangerous drugs is illegal and subject to harsh penalties, including imprisonment and expulsion from the University. In addition, The West Central Illinois Drug Task Force operates in McDonough County, and a University police officer is assigned to the Task Force to investigate drug cases.

An Important Message

In order to be effective in the accomplishment of its assigned objective, the University Police Department is largely dependent upon the help it receives from those within the University. As a result you are urged to report all thefts, assaults, disorderly conduct, acts of vandalism and any other criminal activity of which you have knowledge. In addition, traffic accidents involving more than $500 property damage and all fire and safety hazards should be brought to the attention of this office.

We have a concerned interest in WIU and everyone on its campus. There is a mutual need for you and your University Police to develop and maintain communication, understanding and cooperation. Through this joint effort we can reduce criminal activity and foster a safer atmosphere, thus promoting university community improvement. We welcome the opportunity to serve; however, we need your help in accomplishing our main objective -- your personal safety.

University Police/Public Safety

University police officers have jurisdiction and full police authority in any Illinois county in which Western Illinois University owns property. This authority is provided by 110 ILCS 690/35-45.

Officer Profile

All officers have had extensive educational and professional training and are certified by the State of Illinois Police Training Board. The officers are well disciplined and receive specialized training in crime prevention, community relations, drug awareness and crime scene procedures. They respect the constitutional rights of individuals and are bound by strict regulations as specified by Illinois statutes, University policy and departmental standards. Twenty-five armed officers comprise the police staff, accompanied by four police telecommunicators, four parking agents and support staff. The Office of Public Safety is operational 24 hours, 7 days a week.

University Police Role

Public Safety's primary function is to protect life and property from criminal activity and to otherwise help assure the safety of all members of the campus community. Students attending Western benefit from the cooperative relationship campus police have with federal, state, county, and city police agencies. The Office of Public Safety participates with area law enforcement agencies in apprehending alleged criminals and in joint investigations, crime prevention programs, community service activities and membership in mutual professional organizations.

Sexual Assaults

Sexual assault of any member of the academic community by another (student, faculty, or staff member) will not be tolerated. The term encompasses the legal definitions of sexual assault contained in Illinois state law. It includes, but is not limited to: acts of rape (stranger or acquaintance), other forms of coerced sexual activity, and unwanted touching, fondling or other forms of sexual conduct.

A person who has been a victim of sexual assault should report the crime to the Office of Public Safety or the local police. The University provides support services for persons who have been victims of sexual assault. Staff will serve in an advocacy role and help refer individuals for appropriate medical, police, judicial, and counseling assistance. Those who report a sexual assault will be advised of the importance of preserving evidence which may be necessary to provide proof of prosecution. Upon request, assistance will be provided in changing academic schedules and living arrangements, when reasonably available.

Reported complaints of sexual assault will be investigated, and information obtained in this process will be kept as confidential as possible. Whether a victim chooses to initiate criminal charges, he/she retains the right to file a complaint through the student judicial system or employee grievance process. Should the alleged misconduct of a student be subject to review through formal hearing procedures, both the accused and accuser will be afforded the opportunity to present relevant information, be accompanied by a support person, and be apprised of the results of the disciplinary review. In the event the accused is found in violation, the entire range of sanctions outlined in the Code of Student Conduct may be considered, including but not limited to, disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion from the University. Should the alleged sexual assault involve an employee, sanctions will be determined under applicable employment contracts and agreements.

In an effort to educate the campus community about sexual assault, acquaintance rape, and other sex offenses, campus-sponsored prevention programs are offered on an ongoing basis throughout the year. Information about above procedures, services, and programs can be obtained from the following offices: Student Rights and Responsibilities, Office of Public Safety, Student Development Office, and Equal Opportunity & Access Office.