This webpage provides information to the University of Chicago community about increased federal law enforcement or National Guard presence in the city of Chicago. This page will be updated periodically to address additional questions from the University community.
We are closely monitoring the situation but do not expect this action to directly affect the University’s operations.
The University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD) is the primary police agency on the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus and University property and will continue to serve in this capacity. Within the extended patrol boundaries (off campus and outside of University property), the UCPD will continue to serve in a supportive role to the Chicago Police Department, which is the primary policing agency.
UCPD is unable to respond to calls outside of its extend patrol jurisdiction. However, you can access the UChicago Safe mobile app at any time - inside or outside of the patrol area - to access available University resources, such as the Dean-on-Call program for students. The Dean-on-Call program can be reached through the app by clicking on the "UChicago Help" button.
In addition to University resources, it maybe helpful to reach out to a trusted person, such as a friend or family member, so they are aware and can provide support.
The University of Chicago cooperates with outside agencies as required by law, while protecting the rights and privacy of students, faculty, and staff.
Outside law enforcement personnel generally are permitted to access otherwise open, publicly accessible areas of the University. Without a search warrant, they do not have a right to access non-public spaces. If outside personnel seek to access non-public areas, be courteous and contact UCPD.
Federal law enforcement officials are required to present valid warrants to access locked or other non-public spaces on University property absent certain exigent circumstances or approval. The University has advised the campus community to contact UCPD if approached on campus by a federal law enforcement official so that UCPD can request and assess official warrants where required, among providing other assistance as described below.
UCPD will respond and assist with determining what official business the outside law enforcement agency is conducting and can help request and assess official warrants. In addition, UCPD officers are trained in various techniques that may help to de-escalate situations. UCPD will seek to play a constructive role as an additional point of contact for the University community with outside agencies.
UCPD will respond to calls, and can assist University students and employees by connecting them with various University resources, such as the University’s Dean-on-Call program for students. Except for limited circumstances, which are described in UCPD’s General Orders, UCPD does not have the legal authority to intervene in another law enforcement agency’s investigations.
Notify UCPD at 773.702.8181 if the incident occurred within the UCPD’s patrol area.
Except for an active emergency impacting our campus, DSS’ Office of Parking and Transportation does not approve requests for the use of our parking lots and/or garages for non-university business unless approved and requested by other University departments.
The University notified the University community when an international student was stopped and briefly detained on a street in Hyde Park. However, in most situations, DSS’ alert systems are not used to alert community members to law enforcement activity in and/or or around our campus community.
The University’s cAlert system is reserved solely for notifying community members of an active life-safety emergency occurring on or immediately adjacent to University property. Situations in which a cAlert would normally be sent include, but are not limited to, immediate severe weather threats, major power outages, unexpected University closures as well as ongoing active threats (e.g., active shooters, severe disruption leading to life-safety concerns, etc.).
There are various crowdsourced or community news sources that may provide information on law enforcement activity, although the University cannot verify the accuracy of this information.
All doors at the University’s K-12 schools are locked at all times, except for visitor entrances, which are staffed with security. Staff members at the security desks have been trained to contact their school’s safety and security director and UCPD if outside law enforcement seeks to enter the building. As stated above, federal law enforcement officials are required to present valid warrants to access locked or other non-public spaces on University property absent certain exigent circumstances or approval. Similar to the protocol for outside law enforcement gaining or attempting to gain access to non-public areas of campus, UCPD will respond and assist with determining what official business the outside law enforcement agency is conducting and can help request and assess official warrants.
Visit the Department of Safety & Security’s website for comprehensive information about safety at UChicago. You can also visit uchicago.edu/safety for safety tips on and around campus. We also encourage you to download the UChicago Safe mobile app and follow UChicago Safe on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
UChicago Student Wellness has numerous resources for students, including:
Students may call 773.702.3625 to reach our Therapist-on-Call, who is available 24/7 to discuss students' concerns and determine next steps for support.
Students have access to TimelyCare's 24/7 on-demand service, TalkNow.
Let's Talk is a program that provides easy access to informal and confidential sessions with therapists from UChicago Student Wellness. There's no need for an appointment and no costs to students.
Visit UChicago Student Wellness for more information.