To: All Faculty & All Academic Professionals & All Civil Service Staff &
           All Undergrad Students & All Grad Students <everybody@illinois.edu> 
    From: "Chancellor Robert A. Easter" <chancellor@illinois.edu>

Reply-To: dpscomments@illinois.edu
 Subject: MASSMAIL - Important Safety Information

Date:	September 15, 2010

To:	Members of the Campus Community

From:	Robert A. Easter
	Chancellor and Provost (Interim)

	Barbara R. O'Connor
	Executive Director of Public Safety

Re:	Important Safety Information

As we have informed you over the past few weeks, several robberies, 
aggravated batteries and assaults have happened near University property. 
We write today to update you on the additional actions our University of 
Illinois Police Department has been taking to help keep our students and 
campus community safe.

Although these crimes have happened primarily in the jurisdiction of the 
Champaign Police Department, we have increased patrols by our own police 
officers in the campus district. This stepped up enforcement includes both 
operations with uniformed and plainclothes officers. We have installed 
additional security cameras throughout the campus. Additionally, we have 
previously authorized the hiring of three additional police officers to 
our department, which will enhance our current efforts. 

Our campus administration and police department maintains contact with 
Champaign City officials and the Champaign Police Department, and we know 
they also have increased police presence in the campus area. Our two 
agencies continue to work together to address these issues, and suspects 
have been apprehended in the past few weeks.  Investigations continue to 
determine if these suspects are associated with previous incidents along 
with apprehending additional offenders.

We continue to encourage students to take advantage of SafeRides and 
SafeWalks, and to follow the safety tips listed here.

-Stay alert. Call the police immediately to report suspicious activity.
-Trust your instincts. If it does not feel right, call for help.
-Avoid walking alone at night. Travel in groups when possible and always 
walk in well-lit, heavily traveled areas. 
-Avoid walking near vacant lots, alleys, construction sites, and wooded 
areas.
-Learn where the campus emergency phones are located and how to use them.
-Learn the best routes between your residence hall and your classes, work 
and activities.
-Take the safest route, not the fastest route. The safest route is usually 
the best lit, most traveled one. 
-Turn down your electronic devices. Excessive volume or use of electronic 
devices (iPods, PDAs, cell phones, etc.) can distract you from a potential 
safety hazard.
-Carry a cell phone, whistle, or a personal alarm to alert people that you 
need help. 
-When you go out, let a friend or roommate know where and with whom you 
will be and when you will be back.
-When on an elevator, be aware of other people. Attempt to stand close to 
the control panel with your back against the elevator wall. If you feel 
threatened or are attacked in the elevator, hit the alarm button and as 
many floor buttons as possible. 

Your safety is our priority.


This mailing approved by:
The Office of the Chancellor

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