University of Illinois Police

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University of Illinois Police

Protecting the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus community since 1911.

The University of Illinois Police Department promotes a safe and secure environment where education, research and public service can flourish. Our department operates 24 hours per day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. We provide patrol, investigation, specialized and emergency response, as well as crime prevention and educational services. Our guiding philosophy is that of community policing —

building relationships between the police and community allows the department to successfully address the issues of crime and improve quality of life. As part of a land-grant institution, the University of Illinois Police Department has a responsibility to acknowledge the historical context in which it exists. View our land acknowledgement statement: https://go.illinois.edu/land

We adhere to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign social media comment policy for verified accounts: https://go.illinois.edu/commentpolicy

07/13/2026

July is Month, making it the perfect time to brush up on a few heat safety tips.

It's been a hot and humid summer so far, and it doesn't look like the heat is letting up anytime soon.

If you're spending time outdoors this summer, take a moment to review these heat safety tips from the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS). A few simple precautions can help you stay safe while working, exercising, attending events, or enjoying time outside.

It's also important to recognize the signs of heat-related illness. Heavy sweating, dizziness, weakness, nausea, muscle cramps, and headaches are common signs of heat exhaustion. Confusion, loss of consciousness, hot, dry skin, or a body temperature above 103°F are signs of heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. If you suspect someone is experiencing heat stroke, call 911 immediately.

Our friends at NWS, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, Champaign County Emergency Management Agency, and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) have excellent heat safety resources. We encourage you to check them out and stay safe this summer. Visit ready.gov/summer-ready for more safety tips!

07/10/2026

Happy National Motorcycle Day!

If you've attended an Illinois football game, a parade, or another large event on campus, you've probably seen members of the UIPD Motorcycle Unit in action.

Our motor officers provide escorts for Illinois football and basketball teams, visiting performers, parades, and other special events. They also patrol campus, where their motorcycles allow them to navigate areas that can be difficult for traditional squad cars to access.

The UIPD Motorcycle Unit was established in 1999 after two years of research by retired Lieutenant Dave Nelson and retired Officer Steve Mechling. Retired Officer George Sandwick became the department's first motorcycle officer and began patrolling campus that summer.

Today, the unit includes Sergeants Nick Perrine and Kaleb Schroeder, along with Officers Greg Hesselmann, Drew Osterholt, Jared Ping, Joel Ping, Matt Seaver, and John Wright.

Swipe through to see how the department's motorcycles have changed over the years!

Fun fact: After retiring, Officer Steve Mechling purchased the department's original motorcycle, and he still rides it today.

Click the link below to learn more about the long and interesting history of the UIPD Motorcycle Unit.

🔗 go.illinois.edu/UIPDMotorcycleUnit

07/09/2026

July is National Roadside Traffic Safety Awareness Month.

Whether it's a police officer on a traffic stop, firefighters or EMS responding to an emergency, a tow truck operator helping a stranded driver, or highway crews making repairs, the people working along our roadways deserve to make it home safely.

If you see emergency lights behind you, don't panic. Slow down, turn on your hazard lights to let the officer know you see them, and pull over in a location that gives everyone as much room as possible. A wide shoulder, parking lot, or side street is often a safer place to stop than a narrow roadway.

If you see flashing lights ahead, remember Illinois' Scott's Law. Give first responders plenty of room by moving over into another lane whenever possible. If you can't safely move over, slow down and pass with caution.

A few extra seconds can make a lifesaving difference. Stay alert, put your phone away, and help keep everyone working along our roadways safe.

07/08/2026

What is a Community Service Officer?

Community Service Officers (CSOs) are an essential part of the Division of Public Safety team. Whether they're assisting community members, taking reports, or helping keep campus running smoothly during major events, CSOs play an important role in supporting public safety across the University of Illinois.

CSOs are civilian employees who respond to calls for service that do not involve crimes in progress or immediate threats to physical safety. They are not police officers, are not armed, and do not respond to emergency calls or replace police officers in those situations.

If you report a minor theft, lost property, vandalism, or another low-level crime or quality of life concern, there's a good chance a CSO will respond. You may also see them directing traffic during large events or patrolling residence halls, parking garages, and other high-traffic areas across campus.

If this sounds like the perfect career for you, keep an eye on our website and social media for future Community Service Officer openings!

07/07/2026

The Division of Public Safety held its annual awards banquet in April, and several employees and community members were recognized for their exceptional contributions to campus safety last year.

Officers Betsy Alfonso, Hunter Harrison, and Ryan Rich, along with Sergeant Alec Keegan, were recognized for their response to a critical incident involving an individual experiencing a mental health crisis.

When they arrived, they immediately began providing aid while working to safely manage a rapidly evolving and high-risk situation. As officers worked to provide aid, they coordinated their efforts to safely secure the individual and prevent further harm.

Through their teamwork, professionalism, and compassion, the officers safely resolved the incident and ensured the individual was transported to the hospital for further care.

We are extremely proud of these officers and grateful for their unwavering commitment to preserving life, protecting the community, and responding professionally in some of the most challenging situations officers encounter.

Congratulations, Sergeant Keegan and Officers Alfonso, Harrison, and Rich!

07/06/2026

It may have been hot outside, but that didn’t stop us from having a fantastic time at the Champaign County Freedom Celebration on Saturday!

We loved meeting so many members of our community, handing out countless junior police officer stickers, and helping make sure everyone could safely celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

Congratulations to everyone who braved the heat to participate in the Youth Run and 5K, and thank you to the Champaign County Freedom Celebration Committee for putting together another fantastic event!

We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the agencies that helped make this year’s celebration as safe as possible by providing additional resources and staffing. Your support and partnership are invaluable, and we couldn’t do it without you.

Arrow Ambulance
Champaign County Sheriff’s Office
Champaign Fire Department
Champaign Police Department
Champaign Public Works
METCAD 911
MTD
National Weather Service
University of Illinois Facilities & Services
Urbana Fire Department
Urbana Police Department
Urbana Public Works

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July from the University of Illinois Division of Public Safety!

We hope you have a fun, safe, and memorable Independence Day spent with family, friends, and those who matter most.

Wishing you a wonderful Fourth of July, Illini!

07/03/2026

𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆?

This isn't the flag they brought with them, but we needed a creative way to remind you to celebrate this Fourth of July weekend safely.

Whether you'll be joining us at the Champaign County Freedom Celebration or enjoying your weekend elsewhere, please remember to celebrate safely, and do not drive if you consume alcohol or any other substances.

Here are a few more safety tips to keep in mind this weekend:

🎆 Stay hydrated (especially if you'll be drinking alcohol).
🚗 Don't drink and drive. Use a designated driver, rideshare, or another safe ride home.
🎇 Leave the fireworks to the professionals.
🧴 Wear sunscreen and reapply throughout the day.
🏙️ Don't climb the Empire State Building. Or any other tall structures.

07/02/2026

The Division of Public Safety held its annual awards banquet in April, and several employees and community members were recognized for their exceptional contributions to campus safety last year.

Sergeant Ben Crane, Detective Matt Rogowitz, and Behavioral Health Detectives Alex Tran and Zac White received a life saving award for demonstrating exceptional courage, teamwork, and lifesaving skill while responding to a shooting incident.

Upon arriving on scene, the officers encountered a victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in an unsecured and rapidly evolving scene. Without hesitation, they immediately began providing critical medical care while maintaining awareness of potential ongoing threats.

Officers Rogowitz, White, and Tran worked together to assess the victim’s injuries and administer lifesaving aid, including applying pressure bandages and a tourniquet to control severe bleeding. Sergeant Crane provided oversight and coordination, ensuring an effective response and resource management during a chaotic, high-risk situation.

We are extremely proud of these officers and grateful for their calm communication, rapid intervention, and coordinated efforts, which were instrumental in stabilizing the victim before the arrival of fire and EMS personnel.

Congratulations, Sgt. Crane, Det. Rogowitz, and BHDs Tran and White!

07/01/2026

🚘️ Park smart. Protect your ride. 🚘️

July is Vehicle Theft Prevention Month, and we want to share a few simple tips that can help reduce your chances of becoming a victim of vehicle theft.

While vehicle theft can happen anywhere, taking a few extra seconds to lock your doors, hide valuables, and park in well-lit areas can go a long way toward protecting your vehicle.

Check out the tips below to help keep your vehicle safe. If you drive a vehicle that's frequently targeted for theft, such as certain Kia and Hyundai models, consider using a steering wheel lock and installing any available security updates.

If you see suspicious activity or discover your vehicle has been broken into or stolen, don't touch anything and call 911 immediately.

Click the link below to learn more about vehicle theft prevention.

🔗 nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/vehicle-theft-prevention

Address

1110 W Springfield Avenue
Urbana, IL
61801

Telephone

(217)3331216

Website

https://linktr.ee/uipolice

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