Safety Webinar Update

OCTOBER 27, 2023

The University is deeply grateful to all those who tuned in for the safety webinar on October 24. For those who either could not join us or who would like to reference the information covered, a recording of the event is now available below.

We received many questions and comments before, during and after the webinar, which are invaluable for the University’s ongoing work to build a safe environment on our campus and in neighboring areas, in partnership with the City of Chicago, the Chicago Police Department, and other local partners. We have included answers to the most common questions below, to complement the material that was covered in the webinar. In some cases, we grouped two similar questions together.

For additional information, please see the October 22 update on the apprehension of a suspect in the recent robberies and the October 17 message to students about the recent robberies and options for receiving additional crime alerts and updates.

UChicago Safety Webinar: October 24, 2023:

Q&A's

New Steps to Enhance Safety

Given the urgency of the recent armed robberies, what is the University doing differently right now and in the near future to improve safety?

The recent crimes are deeply concerning for all of us, and we agree that we must continue to actively address this problem. Our current steps include:

UCPD is using data to strategically place officers in specific locations to decrease crime – we have done this with good results in the past, and are tailoring our approach to the current situation. Since October 6th, the Department of Safety & Security has added police and security patrols both on and near campus in affected areas. UCPD continues to maintain a heightened presence in these areas, particularly near 55th Street and other residential areas near campus.
Following the recent robberies, UCPD’s Strategic Operations Center analyzed footage from University security and license plate reader cameras to assist the Chicago Police Department with determining robbery patterns. This work also aided in UCPD’s apprehension of the one of suspects believed to have been involved.
As of now, the City of Chicago has installed 32 new cameras (22 fixed and 10 License Plate Reader cameras) at 21 different locations throughout the UCPD extended patrol area. The full project, which was sponsored by a University grant, is estimated to include 82 new fixed cameras and 27 new LPR cameras in the extended patrol area by February 2024. These cameras are in addition to the cameras and LPR cameras the University has on campus.
We are currently reassessing aspects of the University’s transportation system, including updating how we deploy shuttles and determining the best match of ride share options for our students.
As we increase proactive steps to prevent crime, the University is continuing to implement key strategies to enhance safety through officer patrols, community collaboration, support resources, and other steps.

Suspect Apprehension

I heard that just one of the group of suspects in the spate of armed robberies was apprehended. Have the others been apprehended? Are they still at large?

The University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD) located and apprehended one suspect in the recent cluster of armed robberies near campus. Following the October 19 robberies, UCPD’s Strategic Operations Center studied extensive video footage and identified a stolen vehicle and license plate linked to the robberies. On October 20, the vehicle returned to the area and was detected within minutes by UCPD’s license plate alert system. The Strategic Operations Center alerted UCPD patrols, who were able to find and pursue the vehicle. UCPD arrested one suspect, a juvenile; the other occupants of the vehicle fled the scene.

Why does UCPD turn the offender over to CPD if UCPD is a police force in and of itself?

The Chicago Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency for crimes that occur outside of the University of Chicago campus and property, including the recent robberies that occurred in off-campus residential areas. UCPD is the primary agency for crimes that occur on the University of Chicago campus and University property. UCPD serves in a supportive role to CPD in an extended patrol area off campus. UCPD officers conduct patrols in this off-campus area, respond to calls, and can arrest suspects as they did in this case – however, CPD has primary responsibility for investigating off-campus crimes.

Of the offenders who have been arrested, what percentage were repeat offenders?

Because the individual who was apprehended is a juvenile, we cannot share detailed information about them; questions maybe directed to the Chicago Police Department as the lead investigative agency.

After suspects are apprehended and turned over to CPD, is there a feedback loop to UCPD as far as the outcome of the investigation, including whether an arrest was made or suspect released on bail, accomplices or organized crime identified?

Yes — CPD and UCPD are in regular contact regarding the outcomes of investigations as well as crime prevention strategies.

Security Technology

(Question 1 of 2) Has a real-time capability been established using the license plate reader to alert police to immediately respond to car/suspects in the area? Why hasn't it worked in apprehending the five unknown suspects that committed the crimes over the last 3 weeks?

(Question 2 of 2) Is it technically possible that the plate reading system could identify a stolen car once it enters the campus?

UCPD’s license plate reader (LPR) system can provide real-time alerts for specific plates that enter the area. This system provided an alert for a vehicle that is suspected of being used in recent robberies, and it was instrumental in UCPD’s apprehension of the suspect.

Are the UChicago-funded City of Chicago cameras *local to the University area* or did the funds go into a larger CPD tech pool?

In 2022, the University announced that it would donate $3 million for the City of Chicago to install approximately 100 security cameras and license plate readers within the UCPD’s extended patrol area. Their use follows guidelines established by the City.

Support for Students

How should the students react if they are jumped by a group of criminals with a gun? Are cameras live so these are happening on tape?

If someone tries to rob you, prioritize your safety. Don’t fight to keep valuable items, if asked. Try to observe the offender’s characteristics, but don’t stare. When it is safe, call 911. For more safety tips, visit our website.

The availability of recordings and other visual evidence can vary with the location of the crime. The Department of Safety & Security operates a network of cameras, emergency phones, and license-plate reader technology that helps discourage crime and has aided UCPD investigators in identifying suspects and making arrests.

(1 of 2) You keep saying these are robberies - completely missing the psychological impact on the kids. What are you doing to drive up mental and morale support for the students?

(2 of 2) Is there somewhere that victims of crime can access a list of the services available to them?

Victim support is very important, and the University has multiple resources for students and others who have been robbery victims or the victims of other crimes. UCPD has launched a dedicated Victims and Witness Services Unit to support victims of crime by connecting them with resources such as counseling and victims’ compensation services, and to help answer questions about the court system process. UCPD also works in close collaboration with Deans-on-Call to perform wellness checks on students, provide support after a crime, and help students in other emergency situations. The Dean-on-Call can also connect students to health and counseling resources, including after-hours resources such as the therapist-on-call, who is available 24 hours a day. To contact a member of the Victims and Witness Services Unit, please call UCPD at 773-702-8181.

Have UCPD safety staff members gone to dorms to actually meet with students about safety and how to maximize usage of UChicago’s safety measures, and allowed them to ask questions? Technology is great, but there is no substitute for actually having a conversation. Thank you.

Yes, UCPD representatives regularly conduct safety presentations at residence halls upon request, and they will do more presentations this academic year.

How are the University safety escorts vetted?

When someone requests a safety escort, the first available UCPD officer or Safety Ambassador will escort them to their destination. UCPD has an extensive hiring and training process, which includes training on fairness, professionalism, and impartial policing. Safety Ambassadors are vetted by their employer, Allied Universal, and all Safety Ambassadors are required to meet the State of Illinois’ guidelines for serving as security officers.

Collaboration with CPD and City of Chicago

We appreciate your efforts. The deterrence also requires the engagement of the Chicago police and City. Can you speak to their sense of urgency and support for prosecuting crimes in the neighborhood?

UCPD has a history of productive collaboration with CPD, and the University has been in active communication with City of Chicago elected officials as well as CPD in recent weeks, concerning the deployment of additional CPD resources and tools to help address the recent crimes and support the safety of our community.

Does the UCPD cover the METRA within its security boundaries?

The Metra Police Department is responsible for the security of Metra passengers, stations, and other Metra property. However, UCPD’s extended patrol area includes multiple Metra station entrances – at 59th St., 57th St., 56th St., 55th St., 53rd St., and 47th St. – and UCPD routinely patrols those areas and is available to respond to calls at those locations.