Campus Police

Use of Electronic Equipment in Public Areas for Safety and Security Purposes

khobb2 — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 17:39:25 +0000

Use of Electronic Equipment in Public Areas for Safety and Security Purposes khobb2 Fri, 03/07/2025 - 11:39

I. Policy Information

Policy Title: University of Illinois Springfield Policy on Use of Electronic Equipment in Public Areas for Safety and Security Purposes
Policy Owner: University of Illinois Springfield Police Department
Responsible Official: University of Illinois Springfield Police Chief
Approved by: Chancellors Cabinet
Date Approved: 01/21/2025
Effective Date:01/21/2025
Targeted Review Date:01/21/2028
Related Policies:

II. Scope

This policy applies to all personnel, departments, and colleges of the university in the use of electronic equipment surveillance and recording. Legitimate academic uses of this technology used for research are covered by university policies governing research with human subjects and are, therefore, excluded from this policy.

III. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to regulate the use of electronic equipment to observe and record public areas for the purposes of safety and security. The existence of this policy does not imply or guarantee that electronic equipment will be monitored in real time 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

IV. Background

The University of Illinois Springfield is committed to enhancing the quality of life of the university community by integrating the best practices of public and private policing with state-of-the-art technology. A critical component of a comprehensive security plan using state-of-the-art technology is the utilization of electronic equipment.

V. Statement of Policy

The purpose of the use of electronic equipment for surveillance of public areas is to deter crime and to assist the police in protecting the safety and property of the university community. Any diversion of security technologies and personnel for other purposes (e.g., surveillance of political or religious activities, or employee and/or student evaluations) would undermine the acceptability of these resources for critical safety goals and is therefore prohibited by this policy.
Electronic equipment surveillance for security purposes will be conducted in a professional, ethical and legal manner. Personnel involved in electronic equipment surveillance will be appropriately trained and supervised in the responsible use of this technology. Violations of the procedures outlined below for electronic equipment surveillance referenced in this policy may result in disciplinary action consistent with the rules and regulations governing employees of the University.
Information obtained through electronic equipment surveillance will only be released when authorized by the UIS Police Chief according to the procedures established in this policy.
Electronic equipment surveillance of public areas for security purposes will be conducted in a manner consistent with all existing University policies, including the Non-Discrimination Policy and Sexual Harassment Policy. Electronic equipment control operators will not monitor individuals based on characteristics protected by the University’s Non-Discrimination Policy. Electronic equipment control operators will monitor based on suspicious behavior, not individual characteristics.
Electronic equipment surveillance of public areas for security purposes at the university is limited to uses that do not violate the reasonable expectation of privacy as defined by law.

VI. Responsibilities

The University Police Department is the department authorized to oversee and coordinate the use of electronic equipment surveillance for safety and security purposes at the university. All university units using electronic equipment surveillance are responsible for implementing this policy in their respective operations. University Police has the primary responsibility for reviewing and updating the policy in addition to assisting other units in implementing the policy and procedures.
The Chief of Police has the responsibility to authorize all electronic equipment surveillance for safety and security purposes at the University. If a unit other than UIS Police are requesting electronic surveillance equipment, approval must be received prior to the procurement of such items. All new installations will follow this University Policy. The Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration, and the Human Resources Director of Labor Relations at UIS will be notified of any and all electronic equipment surveillance operations.
The University Police will monitor new developments in the relevant law and in security industry practices to ensure that electronic equipment at the University is consistent with the highest standards, protections, and compliant with all Federal, State, and local laws
The University Police will accept input and recommendations on electronic equipment locations, and also review electronic equipment locations to ensure the perimeter of view of fixed location electronic equipment conforms to this policy. The proposed location of permanent electronic equipment will be reviewed by the Chief of Police for written approval before installation. The locations of temporary electronic equipment to be used for special events will also be reviewed by the Chief of Police. (Note: “Temporary” does not include mobile electronic equipment or hidden surveillance electronic equipment used for criminal investigations.) Included with the list of electronic equipment locations will be a general description of the technology employed and the capabilities of the electronic equipment.
Students and staff entering certain sensitive locations on university property may have an increased concern for privacy or confidentiality. To prevent a possible chilling effect at these locations, concerned persons may petition the Chief of Police to forgo the installation of a proposed electronic equipment or for the removal of an existing electronic equipment. The Chief of Police will determine the appropriateness of an installation weighing the concerns of the person(s) making the requests and the safety and security of the entire community. Any appeal of a decision by the Chief of Police will be reviewed by the Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration who will make the final decision.
The Chief of Police will review all requests received by the University Police Department to release recordings obtained through electronic equipment surveillance. No release of electronic equipment recordings will occur without authorization by the Chief of Police. Excluded from release are tapes directly related to a criminal investigation, arrest, subpoena, or any other legally required reason.
The Vice Chancellor of Finance and Administration may audit any college or department’s electronic equipment surveillance operations, including electronic equipment storage, at any time.

VI. Procedures

All operators and supervisors utilizing electronic equipment surveillance of public areas will perform their duties in accordance with this policy.
Appropriate and clear signage will be placed within a reasonable distance of all indoor electronic equipment locations.
Electronic equipment positions and views of residential housing will be limited. Any view of housing will be no greater than what is available with unaided vision. Furthermore, the view of a residential housing facility must not violate the standard of “reasonable expectation of privacy.”
Surveillance centers will be configured to prevent electronic equipment operators tampering with or duplicating recorded information.
Recorded electronic equipment may be stored for a period not to exceed 30 days, unless retained as part of a criminal investigation or court proceedings (criminal or civil), or other bona fide use as approved by the Chief of Police.
Electronic equipment footage will be stored in a secure location with access by authorized personnel only.
Electronic equipment control operators who view recorded electronic equipment footage must do so in the presence of a supervisor to maintain the integrity of that electronic equipment footage.
Electronic equipment control operators will be trained in the technical, legal and ethical parameters of appropriate electronic equipment use. Electronic equipment control operators will receive a copy of this policy and provide written acknowledgement that they have read and understood its contents.
Electronic equipment control operators will NOT view private rooms or areas through windows.

VII. Exceptions

This policy does not apply to any legitimate law enforcement purpose. As noted above, uses beyond those described in this electronic equipment policy shall be governed by applicable University policies and laws.

Policy Level

University-level

Approval Date

01-21-2025

Effective Date

01-21-2025

Last Reviewed

01-21-2025

Responsible Unit

Campus Police

Unit Head

Ross Owens

UIS Police Training on Active Shooter Response

hbruc3 — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 19:49:06 +0000

UIS Police Training on Active Shooter Response hbruc3 Wed, 02/12/2025 - 13:49

Campus community,

The UIS Police Department provides training presentations on ways to minimize your risk during an active shooter / active threat incident. The next class will be on Thursday, March 6th, at 3:30 pm in Brookens Auditorium. The presentation will be approximately 1 hour in length. These presentations will help you prepare for an active shooter incident and provide a forum to ask questions so you may become better informed on the actions that you can take to stay safe during this type of critical incident. The presentation will also provide you with information regarding campus-wide emergency communications in the event this type of incident occurs on the UIS campus.

If you or your department/unit is unable to make that date or unable to retain a seat, please contact the UIS Police Department at (217)206-6690 to arrange an alternate date and time for a private training session. You can also send an email request to the UIS PD at uispolice@uis.edu. We are open to providing training to campus in large or small venues, day or night.

As a reminder, we encourage everyone in our community to download and familiarize themselves with the Rave Guardian application. This app allows you to text message our dispatch center, utilize a virtual escort service, call our dispatch center while providing your GPS location, and quickly access support resources. Those support resources include forms for reporting students or employees of concern. Any time you feel your safety, or the safety of those around you, is at risk, you should notify the UIS Police dispatch center by phone or text message for immediate help.

UIS Police Department

Phone: (217)206-6690

Emergency: (217)206-7777

TTY: (217)206-7510

E-mail: uispolice@uis.edu

When

Thu, Mar 6 2025, 3:30 - 4:30pm

Location

Brookens Auditorium

Event Type

Employee

Faculty

Department

Campus Police

UIS Police Training on Active Shooter Response - March 6

hbruc3 — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 19:46:08 +0000

UIS Police Training on Active Shooter Response - March 6 hbruc3 Wed, 02/12/2025 - 13:46

VOICES Act

ppinn2 — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 16:54:18 +0000

VOICES Act ppinn2 Fri, 01/17/2025 - 10:54

VOICES Act

What is the VOICES Act?

The Voices of Immigrant Communities Empowering Act, also known as the VOICES Act, was recently amended by the Illinois Way Forward Act (Public Act 102-0234). The VOICES Act allows “victims of qualifying criminal activity” to request a “certification form” or a law enforcement certification form or statement required by federal immigration law certifying that a person is a victim of qualifying criminal activity for use in applying for a U-Visa or T-Visa under the United States Code.

The Illinois Way Forward Act (Public Act 102-0234) can be found here: Illinois Way Forward Act

The Illinois VOICES ACT (5 ILCS 825/1) can be found here: Illinois VOICES Act

Who is eligible to participate?

Those individuals who are identified as “victims of qualifying criminal activity” as defined in the act who were involved in an incident investigated by ��ý Springfield Police Department.

"Victim of qualifying criminal activity" means a person described in Section 1101(a)(15)(U)(i)(I) of Title 8 of the United States Code, in the definition of "victim of a severe form of trafficking" in Section 7102(14) of Title 22 of the United States Code, or in any implementing federal regulations, supplementary information, guidance, and instructions.

"Qualifying criminal activity" means any activity, regardless of the stage of detection, investigation, or prosecution, designated in Section 1101(a)(15)(U)(iii) of Title 8 of the United States Code, any implementing federal regulations, supplementary information, guidance, and instructions.

More information can be obtained on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services webpage.

How does someone apply?

Step One:
Download the appropriate U-Visa or T Visa law enforcement certification form:

U-Visa PDF

T-Visa PDF

Step Two:
Complete Part 1 of the U-Visa or Part B of the T-Visa. Do not complete any other sections of the applications. Incorrectly completed forms may be rejected or may increase response time.

Step Three:
Send the U-Visa or T-Visa law enforcement certification form to Lieutenant Darric Miller, the UIS Police Department’s designated certifying official, at dmill08s@uis.edu. Mail can also be directly addressed to 1 University Plaza PDB-1, Springfield, IL 62703.

How long does it take to get a law enforcement certification response?

If the Certifying Official determines the requester of a U-Visa or T-Visa is a victim of qualifying criminal activity or human trafficking, the Certifying Official must complete the certification or declaration form and provide it to the requester within ninety (90) days of receiving the request. If the person making the request is in federal immigration removal proceedings or detained, the Certifying Official must complete the certification or declaration form and provide it to the requester within twenty-one (21) business days. Reduced time limits are in place for requests in cases involving reduced federal benefits for children, parents, or siblings of the requester.

Whom do I contact at ��ý Springfield Police Department for more information?

Lieutenant Darric Miller is the law enforcement official designated by the Chief of Police to receive, review, and respond to requests for completion of the certification form. You can reach him directly by emailing dmill08s@uis.edu. Mail can also be directly addressed to 1 University Plaza PDB-1, Springfield, IL 62703.

Whom do I contact at ��ý Springfield Police Department if my request is denied?

The University of Illinois Springfield Police Department will accept all appeals and respond within 30 business days. The Police Captain, Justin Emmons, is responsible for the review, approval and/or denial of all appeals. You can reach him directly by emailing jemmo2@uis.edu. Mail can also be directly addressed to 1 University Plaza PDB-1, Springfield, IL 62703.

How do I request Recertification?

The designated certifying official, Lieutenant Darric Miller, will be responsible for the review, approval, and/or denial of all requests for recertification within 90 business days, or 21 business days if the requester has a deadline to respond to United States Citizenship Immigration Services request for evidence.

Planned Test of the UIS Emergency Notification System - Dec. 11

hbruc3 — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 22:18:38 +0000

Planned Test of the UIS Emergency Notification System - Dec. 11 hbruc3 Thu, 12/05/2024 - 16:18

UIS Police Training on Active Shooter Response

hbruc3 — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 15:52:00 +0000

UIS Police Training on Active Shooter Response hbruc3 Fri, 10/04/2024 - 10:52

The UIS Police Department provides training presentations on ways to minimize your risk during an active shooter / active threat incident. The next class will be on Wednesday, October 23, at 10:00 am in Brookens Auditorium. The presentation will be approximately 1 hour in length. These presentations will help you prepare for an active shooter incident and provide a forum to ask questions so you may become better informed on the actions that you can take to stay safe during this type of critical incident. The presentation will also provide you with information regarding campus-wide emergency communications in the event this type of incident occurs on the UIS campus.

If you or your department/unit is unable to make that date or unable to retain a seat, please contact the UIS Police Department at (217) 206-6690 to arrange an alternate date and time for a private training session. You can also send an email request to the UIS PD at uispolice@uis.edu. We are open to providing training to campus in large or small venues, day or night.

UIS Police Department

Phone: (217) 206-6690

Emergency: (217) 206-7777

TTY: (217) 206-7510

E-mail: uispolice@uis.edu

When

Wed, Oct 23 2024, 10 - 11am

Location

Brookens Auditorium

Event Type

Employee

Faculty

Department

Campus Police

UIS Police Training on Active Shooter Response - Oct. 23

hbruc3 — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 20:07:48 +0000

UIS Police Training on Active Shooter Response - Oct. 23 hbruc3 Thu, 10/03/2024 - 15:07

Disruption of Academic or Operational Functions of UIS

khobb2 — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 16:45:41 +0000

Disruption of Academic or Operational Functions of UIS khobb2 Mon, 09/30/2024 - 11:45

Policy Title: Disruption of Academic or Operational Functions of UIS
Policy Owner: Campus Police
Responsible Official: Chief Ross Owens
Approved by: Chancellor
Date Approved: 09/06/2024
Effective Date: 09/06/2024
Targeted Review Date: 09/06/2024
Contact: Chief Ross Owens

Related Policies:
University of Illinois Springfield Expressive Activity Policy
General Use of and Access to University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) Property
Reservation of University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) Procedure

Purpose

In order to maintain the proper operation of UIS in case of activity of any persons disrupting the academic or operational functions of UIS, the following procedure shall be followed.

This policy is not intended to and shall not be construed to impair any right or activity, including speech, protest, or assembly, protected by the U.S. Constitution, by the Constitution of the State of Illinois or by other Federal or State law and permitted by university policy.

Scope

This policy applies to all ��ýs, employees, and visitors.

Policy

The use of and access to UIS Property must comply with all applicable state and federal laws and university policy. Activity that is disruptive to the educational process, dangerous to the health and safety of persons, damaging to public and private property, and which diverts the use of institutional facilities from the primary function of education is illegal (720 ILCS 5/21.2-1).
When an activity first occurs which interferes with the academic or operational functions of the university, appropriate University officials shall make every attempt to resolve the matter through voluntary compliance, cooperation, and the exercise of restraint by all parties concerned.
If it becomes necessary to control large crowds of persons in case of any disruptive activity or to engage in mass arrests or other forms of control, the incident commander and / or Chancellor may request additional agencies and / or officials to assist the UIS Police Department and University.
If the disruptive activity continues or becomes threatening to the safety of participants and arrests appear warranted, the UIS Police Department will perform necessary steps (i.e. requesting assistance, making arrests, announcing dispersal orders) to maintain order on the campus and to ensure the civil rights of individuals and to preserve the ordinary operation of the university.

Policy Level

University-level

Approval Date

09-06-2024

Effective Date

09-06-2024

Last Reviewed

09-06-2024

Responsible Unit

Campus Police

Unit Head

Ross Owens

Associated Documents

Disruption of Academic or Operational Functions FINAL.pdf

Cellphone Service Restoration Update

hbruc3 — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 20:41:20 +0000

Cellphone Service Restoration Update hbruc3 Thu, 02/22/2024 - 14:41

Campus Communication Options

hbruc3 — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 16:43:53 +0000

Campus Communication Options hbruc3 Thu, 02/22/2024 - 10:43

Campus Police

Use of Electronic Equipment in Public Areas for Safety and Security Purposes

I. Policy Information

II. Scope

III. Purpose

IV. Background

V. Statement of Policy

VI. Responsibilities

VI. Procedures

VII. Exceptions

UIS Police Training on Active Shooter Response

UIS Police Training on Active Shooter Response - March 6

VOICES Act

VOICES Act

What is the VOICES Act?

Who is eligible to participate?

How long does it take to get a law enforcement certification response?

Whom do I contact at ������ý Springfield Police Department for more information?

Whom do I contact at ������ý Springfield Police Department if my request is denied?

How do I request Recertification?

Planned Test of the UIS Emergency Notification System - Dec. 11

UIS Police Training on Active Shooter Response

UIS Police Training on Active Shooter Response - Oct. 23

Disruption of Academic or Operational Functions of UIS

Purpose

Scope

Policy

Cellphone Service Restoration Update

Campus Communication Options

Whom do I contact at ��ý Springfield Police Department for more information?

Whom do I contact at ��ý Springfield Police Department if my request is denied?