Safety Tips for the UIC Law Community

UIC Law is committed to providing a safe and secure learning and working environment to its community. As the law school is an urban campus, it is important for students, faculty, and staff to keep the following safety tips in mind when on campus and/or traveling through the City of Chicago.

  1. Suspicious Behavior/Circumstances:
    Be aware of and report any of the following to the UIC Law Campus Safety & Security Department:

    1. People in and around buildings who do not appear to be conducting legitimate business;
    2. People monitoring areas, buildings or entrances;
    3. Unauthorized people in restricted, sensitive or private areas;
    4. People requesting information with no apparent need for that information;
    5. People wearing clothing not consistent with the weather conditions;
    6. Abandoned parcels or other suspicious items left in unusual locations;
    7. Individuals or groups of individuals attempting to access utility locations (water, electrical, telecommunications, information systems);
    8. Abandoned vehicles;
    9. Vehicles parked near buildings or public areas;
    10. Unexpected/Unfamiliar delivery trucks;
    11. Unfamiliar vehicles parked for long periods of time;
    12. Vehicles containing unusual or suspicious parcels or materials; and/or
    13. Substances leaking or spilling from vehicles.
  2. Building/Office Security:
    1. Don’t prop open building doors; correct these situations when you observe them.
    2. Account for and secure your keys. Don’t leave them unattended or give to unauthorized persons.
    3. Report lost keys to the Campus Safety & Security Department at ext. 511.
    4. Account for and secure all sensitive material/information/deliveries when not able to attend to it.
    5. Secure all areas when not attended.
    6. Be aware of unfamiliar persons in your area.
    7. Protect passcodes and your Law School-issued ID cards.
    8. Take time out to familiarize yourself with building evacuation routes (located in the lobby near all elevators).
    9. Report suspicious tampering with physical security (doors, locks. etc.).
    10. Talk with coworkers; know what is out of place (unclaimed items, etc.).
  3. Leaving Campus or Traveling through the City of Chicago:
    1. Avoid secluded, dark areas or shortcuts, especially alleys. Stay on busy, well-lit, and heavily populated streets.
    2. Always try to walk, jog, or ride your bike with a partner.
    3. Walk with energy, confidence, and purpose. Hold your head up, be alert, and check your surroundings.
    4. Be wary of your surroundings and observe the behavior of those around you.
    5. When you are alone, avoid wearing headphones, try not to be engrossed in reading, and avoid talking on your cellular telephone for long periods of time.
    6. Don’t use your cell phone in the public way if you can avoid it. A recent trend involves the theft of iPhone/Android devices while the user is on the phone. The victims are sometimes pushed down or punched by surprise. Offenders are usually in their teens or early twenties.
    7. Carry wallets in a coat or front pants pocket.
    8. Adopt a frame of mind that will allow you to recognize and avoid potential threats on the street.
    9. Follow your instincts. If you think you are being followed and you don’t feel safe, cross the street, change your route, and prepare to run for help.
    10. Be aware of open businesses and public areas where you can go if you need help.
    11. If someone tries to rob you, give up your property—don’t give up yourself. Don’t struggle with an offender unless it’s absolutely necessary.
    12. Don’t try to apprehend a thief. Leave that to the police.
    13. Report crimes immediately. If a crime goes unreported:
      1. The assailant cannot be caught.
      2. Criminals are allowed to operate without interference.
    14. Not reporting a crime allows the criminals to commit more crimes against other people. Whether you are a victim or a witness, call the police at 911. Give as complete a description as possible, as soon as possible. Write it down! You may not remember it when you need it. Make notes about the offender’s height, weight, sex, age, race, distinguishing marks and clothing. Get witnesses if you can.
  4. To report a crime or an emergency on campus you can:
    1. a. Call UIC Police Department at 312.355.5555 and/or UIC Law School Campus Safety & Security at ext. 511 from any house phone on campus, or call Campus Safety & Security at 312.427.2737 ext. 511 from anycellular phone.