Campus Safety
Welcome to the Department of Campus Safety’s webpage. Here you will find information on the Department of Campus Safety as well as crime statistics and other information we hope you will find useful in making decisions related to your personal safety while you are here at Judson.
Campus Safety EMS officers patrol the Judson’s Elgin campus 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Students may call at any time for immediate assistance or an escort at (847) 622-9999 or extension 9999 from an on-campus phone.
The Campus Safety Office is located inside the Plant Operations Building on campus, and also serves as the location for lost and found, parking permits, bicycle registration, and ID cards.
Emergency Numbers
Judson Campus Safety
Contact Us
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act, can be found here.
Vehicle and Parking Information
Vehicles may be registered at the Campus Safety Office (located in the University Center) 24/7. If you wish to register after normal office hours (8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.), simply call 847-622-9999 and we will be glad to assist you.
*All new vehicles brought on campus must be registered.
- Procedure: Every motor vehicle parked or driven on campus must be registered. A valid driver’s license and proof of insurance must be presented during registration. Failure to register your vehicle could result in your car being immobilized with a “boot” until registered with Campus Safety ($50 immobilization fee applies). If an immobilized vehicle is not registered within 14 days of being immobilized, the vehicle will be towed at the owner’s expense by Pete’s A Towing.
- Fee: Per Semester – $60 for cars, $20 for motorcycles
- *All registration and parking violation fees are charged directly to your student account.
- *Your vehicle must be registered within one week of arriving on campus*
- Permit Stickers: Must be displayed in the lower corner of the driver’s side rear window. For vehicles with heavy tint, permits can be displayed in corner of the front windshield.
- Permit sticker colors indicate a lot of assignments.
- Open Lots: The Fitness Center front and rear lots are open 24/7 to all permits and so are the Lindner Tower north and south lots, Plant Ops lot, and Creekside lot (accessible from Jerusha Road via Rt. 31). The Ohio Hall lot (alongside HAWAC) and Volkman Hall resident parking lots are only open to other permits on weekends from 5:00 p.m. Friday until 5:00 p.m. Sunday.
- Commuter Lots – Commuter lots are reserved for commuter permits only but are open to all other permits on weeknights from 5:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. and weekends from 5:00 pm Friday until 3:00 am Monday, unless otherwise posted.
- Staff: Staff lots are only open weeknights from 5:00 pm until 3:00 am and weekends from 5:00 p.m. Friday until 3:00 a.m. Monday.
- Closed: Roadways/fire lanes, driveways, landscaped islands, grass areas, walkways, and specifically reserved parking spaces. If there is a reason you need to park a vehicle in one of these restricted areas you must obtain advance permission from Campus Safety.
- Visitors: reserved for visitors from off-campus on weekdays between 5:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. Students may use these spaces on evenings and weekends from 5:00 p.m. Friday until 3:00 a.m Monday
- Carpool Parking – There are 9 carpool spaces in front of HAWAC and they are reserved for commuter parking Monday to Friday from 3:00 am until 5:00 pm.
- Maintenance – Maintenance parking spaces are reserved from 3:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. for authorized personnel.
- 10 and 15 Minute spaces: Reserved as loading zones or for short errands. The 10-minute parking spaces at the Lindner Commons are intended for students wishing to check their mail or visit the campus bookstore. These spaces should not be used by persons dining in the cafeteria.
- Tickets 1-4 $25 fine per violation
- Ticket 5 $50 fine
- Tickets 6+ $50 fine or a vehicle is towed by Pete’s-A-Towing at a cost to the vehicle owner, possible revocation of campus parking privileges
- Drivers on campus are expected to operate their vehicles in a safe and legal manner in accordance with the Illinois Vehicle Code. Drivers are expected to obey campus stop and yield signs, exercise caution near pedestrian crossing areas, obey the 15 mph campus speed limit, not drive on the wrong side of the road, not drive on campus grassy areas or sidewalks or footbridges, and in general demonstrate concern for the safety of themselves and others when operating their vehicles. Drivers who are witnessed by Campus Safety operating their vehicle in a reckless or unsafe manner may be subject to a $25 fine as well as possible revocation of campus vehicle privileges.
Citation Appeals
- Citation appeals must be made within the same semester of receiving the violation and must be made using an official appeal form.
- Appeals will be collected by Campus Safety and will be brought before a parking appeal committee once per month. This committee’s membership consists of representation from Campus Safety and Student Life. The committee’s decision regarding appeals will be considered final.
- You can download the PDF Document Parking Ticket Appeal Form – Judson University Campus Safety.
- There is no charge to appeal a parking violation. Appeals will be reviewed by an appeal committee that meets once per month. No appeal can be made on a citation after the semester has ended.
- If you have a parking-related question please send an email to [email protected]
CAMPUS SAFETY FORMS
PARKING TICKET APPEAL FORM
Note: Appeals must be made on tickets within five business days of the ticket being issued.
- Officers offer motorist assistance to students and employees with vehicle trouble at no charge. They are equipped with equipment for battery “jump-starts” and “lock-outs” and are encouraged to offer any other assistance based on the individual officer’s knowledge and experience.
- Bicycle registration is a great tool for recovering lost or stolen bicycles, and a bicycle that is well-cared for lasts longer and performs better. All students and staff are required to register their bikes if they are going to ride them on campus. Registration is free and covers registration with the City of Elgin as well as the National Bike Registry for ten years. Unregistered bicycles may be seized as part of the Gotcha! program and if not claimed may be disposed of by Campus Safety.
- Judson’s bike registration program is featured in Bicycle NewsWire.
- Campus Safety strongly urges bike owners to lock their bikes, due to ongoing problems with bike theft. To report a stolen bike please notify Campus Safety.
- Need assistance with a bike problem? We have a certified bicycle mechanic on staff and offer assistance at no charge to students, staff, and faculty. Send an email to Ofc. Furby.
Additional Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
The only way you can park on a roadway or in a building’s fire lane is if you call Campus Safety at extension 9999 and receive advance permission. Campus Safety Officers will request your name, vehicle information, and purpose for temporarily parking on a roadway/fire lane and will approve your request depending on factors including traffic and scheduled events that would interfere with normal traffic flow. Vehicles parking in fire lanes or on roadways without being approved are subject to ticketing.
Because of their familiarity with the campus and the fact that they are already on campus when the emergency call is received, Campus Safety Officers/EMS typically arrive on the scene before 911 emergency responders and are able to immediately begin stabilizing emergency situations. This can make a great deal of difference when every second counts. Also, Campus Safety Officers will often contact incoming fire, police, and medical responders, providing them with directions to the scene and information – greatly increasing response efficiency.
Please contact Campus Safety at 847-622-9999 or visit our office to let us know if you will have a car on campus temporarily (14 days or less). Be prepared to provide vehicle information.
The Department of Campus Safety offers escorts to all students, staff, and visitors from dusk to dawn. During occasions in which there is an apparent threat to the safety of the campus or in which the requesting party is disabled or injured, officers may provide escorts 24 hours a day. Officers may provide escorts on foot, on a bicycle, or in a vehicle, at their discretion.
No. University buildings and grounds are exempt from the Illinois Concealed Carry Act. A concealed carry holder with a firearm visiting the campus would be required to securely store their firearm within their vehicle before proceeding onto the campus.
Smoking is prohibited on Judson University property (including parking lots) and students, employees, and visitors are expected to comply with this policy. If you must smoke, please walk off-campus, both the west River Road paved trail and the Tyler Creek Forest Preserve are accessible by pedestrians and popular places for smokers.
Skateboards, scooters, and rollerblades are allowed on roadways and sidewalk surfaces as a means of travel. Because of inherent safety risks, the construction/use of ramps for tricks or stunts is prohibited, as is the use of benches, raised surfaces, railings, and other objects.
Address compliments/complaints/questions to Director Nick Salzmann.
- The use of hallucinogenic drugs and substances (including marijuana) or narcotics not authorized by a physician is forbidden. Under no circumstances is the use, possession, or distribution of the above allowed on or away from campus. The use of tobacco products is prohibited on campus, in campus-approved housing or at University-related activities. The use of alcoholic beverages and/or simulated alcoholic beverages is not allowed on campus, in campus-approved housing, or at University-related activities. For specific policy information, please refer to the Student Handbook.
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DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE AND DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES ACT STATEMENT
As a recipient of federal aid and federal grants, Judson University certifies under the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 that it will take steps to provide a drug-free workplace and educational environment. In July 2018, the Judson University Alcohol and Drug Policy Committee completed a biennial review of Judson University’s drug and alcohol policies and their effectiveness for the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 academic years. A copy of this biennial review can be found here: a Drug-Free Workplace and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Statement.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY
Judson University’s Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Policy applies to all students, staff, and faculty members of Judson University. Judson University prohibits the use of alcohol or illegal drugs by students or employees while on campus property or while conducting University business off-campus. Read the full policy here.
GET OUT AND STAY ALIVE
Get Out and Stay Alive is a program designed to help save your life in case you find yourself in a fire situation. This program focuses on three main topics: Getting Out, Prevention and Protection.
IF YOU DETECT A FIRE
Pull the fire alarm
Call JUCS (ext.9999)
Alert your neighbors
Exit the building immediately (your safety is more important than your property)
IF THE FIRE IS SMALL
You may consider using a fire extinguisher if the fire is the size of a wastebasket or smaller
P = Pull the Pin
A = Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire.
S = Squeeze or press the handle.
S = Sweep at the base of the fire from side to side.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
This is a mental checklist for a Fight-or-Flight Decision. Attempt to use an extinguisher ONLY if all of the following applies:
- The building is being evacuated.
- The fire department is being called.
- The fire is small and contained.
- The exit is clear and you can fight the fire with your back to a safe exit.
- You can stay low and avoid smoke.
- The proper extinguisher is available.
- You have read the instructions and you know how to use the extinguisher.
- Whenever possible, use the “Buddy System” to have someone back you up when using a fire extinguisher. If you have any doubt about your personal safety, or if you can’t extinguish a fire, leave immediately and close off the area. Recharge any discharged extinguisher immediately after use.
IF YOU ARE CAUGHT IN A FIRE
- Leave immediately
- Use the stairs – fire could billow up the elevator shaft or cause the electricity to shut down and trap you in the building.
- If a door is hot, do not open it.
- Close the doors behind you as you exit.
- Crawl if you are caught in a smoke-filled hallway (STAY LOW AND GO)
- If trapped in a room, hang a towel or sheet out of the window – attract someone’s attention by yelling.
- Jam rugs or towels against the bottom of the door to keep smoke from coming in.
- If your clothing catches fire – STOP, DROP, AND ROLL
ADDITIONAL TIPS
- Never tamper with or obstruct a smoke detector or other fire safety fire equipment.
- Do not overload extension cords – use surge suppressors.
- Replace all fringed cords.
- Report people responsible for activating false alarms.
- Report missing or discharged fire extinguishers.
- Evacuate the building for ALL fire alarms and do not re-enter until notified by JUCS or the Elgin Fire Department.
- Unplug all electric devices before leaving for weekends, holidays, or school breaks.
HANDBOOK POLICIES
- Explosives, fireworks, flammables, indoor live Christmas trees, guns, or deadly weapons are not allowed on any part of the campus, including the residence halls. No open flame lanterns or burning of incense is allowed in the residence halls by order of the Elgin Fire Marshall. Candle burning is prohibited in the Lindner Tower. Students who do not cooperate in evacuating a building when a fire alarm is sounded will be subject to disciplinary action. Fire drills will be scheduled periodically.
- Any student found tampering with the fire safety system, including the fire alarms, extinguishers, and the electrical system, will be subject to dismissal from the university. Students should assist in the promotion of basic fire safety principles. Fire doors should not be propped open and belongings should not be placed in stairways or hallways.
Tornado Safety
Click Here to view campus severe weather shelters
Tornado Watches and Warnings
- A Tornado Watch is issued by the National Weather Service when tornados are possible in our area. Remain alert for approaching storms. Listen to local radio and TV stations for further updates.
- A Tornado Warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Go to a safe area immediately.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE A TORNADO
- FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) recommends each household have a disaster supplies kit on hand:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Portable, battery-operated radio
- First aid kit
- Essential medicines
- Cash and credit cards
- Sturdy shoes
- A three day supply of food and water
WHAT TO DO DURING A TORNADO
- If inside a building
- Stay away from windows.
- Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as the gymnasium.
- If possible get under a piece of sturdy furniture, such as a heavy table or desk, and hold on to it. Put a mattress over you and hold on to it.
- Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
If outside
- If possible, try to get inside a building.
- If outside, lie in a ditch or low-lying area.
If in a car
- Never try to out-drive a tornado with a vehicle
- Get out of the car immediately and try to get inside a building or low-lying area.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A TORNADO
- Find building Captains and/or assistants for help or offer to help.
- Help injured or trapped persons.
- Keep radio or television on for the latest emergency information.
- If you smell gas or see smoke, leave the building and contact Campus Safety.
- Stay out of damaged buildings, and return only when authorities say it is safe.
- Key cards are distributed and maintained by the Department of Campus Safety. For dorm residents, keycards will be issued to resident directors who will issue them to their residents. There is a $25.00 fee for lost, stolen or destroyed cards.
- Locked doors including keycard-access doors should never be propped open. Persons caught propping these doors open or tampering with locks are subject to fines and other penalties.
Yes.
- If you have lost or found an item on Judson University property, please visit the Campus Safety office. You can also report a lost item without making a trip by contacting campus safety via there phone number at (847) 622-9999 or extension 9999 from an on-campus phone.
- Students wishing to gain access to locked buildings, offices, and areas need to have a staff or faculty member notify the office of Campus Safety ahead of time or present written permission from an appropriate staff or faculty member before access is granted. Both written and oral permission must contain the following: the students’ names, what they have permission to access, and the staff or faculty member’s signature. Anything less will be left to the officer on duty’s discretion. All building access will be reported in the officer’s daily report. Officers do not need any special permission to let a student or employee who has lost, forgotten, or misplaced their keys and access cards have access to areas to which they would normally have access.
- Students, employees, or visitors may call for an escort from dusk to dawn. In the event of a security alert, escorts will be given 24 hours a day. The officer will meet the individual and accompany them to their campus destination. Campus Safety considers escorts a top priority. Escorts are also available 24 hours a day to injured or disabled students. Please call (847) 622-9999 or extension 9999 from an on-campus phone..
Emergency Blue Light Stations
There are three emergency Blue Light “push to call” Stations on campus for student and staff emergency use. The stations are connected directly to Judson University Campus Safety and are activated by pushing the talk button. Persons needing assistance or reporting an emergency should remain at the location until told to leave by a Campus Safety officer. The Blue Light Stations are located at:
- 1) The main entrance of the campus
- 2) Midway between Barton House and Browne Hall (the old library building)
- 3) Along the walk between Tyler Creek and the Thompson Center.
Self-Defense Course
- Campus Safety offers self-defense training to all students, staff, and faculty at no cost.
- To find out more, please send an email.
By federal law (the Clery Act) you are a campus security authority (CSA) if you meet any of the following criteria:
A member of a campus police department or security department of an institution.
Any individual or individuals who have responsibility for campus security but who do not constitute a campus police department or a campus security department (e.g., an individual such as a receptionist who is responsible for monitoring the entrance into institutional property).
Any individual or organization specified in an institution’s statement of campus security policy as an individual or organization to which students and employees should report criminal offenses.
An official of an institution who has significant responsibility for student and campus activities, including, but not limited to: student housing, student discipline, and campus judicial proceedings. An official is defined as any person who has the authority and the duty to take action or respond to particular issues on behalf of the institution.
Physicians/nurses in a campus health center or a counselor in a counseling center whose only responsibility is to provide care to students. Additionally, pastoral and professional counselors are exempt from reporting requirements so long as their only role on campus is counseling.
CSAs assist with the process of reporting crimes in order to maintain accurate and timely crime statistics and increase the overall safety of the campus. If a crime is reported to a CSA, the CSA shall complete a Crime Stat Report Form. This form allows the crime to be reported without necessarily revealing the identity of the victim should the victim not wish to be identified.
Note: the Crime Stat Report Form is to be used only by Campus Security Authorities for the purpose of reporting crimes.
CSAs are not intended or authorized to investigate reported crimes beyond gathering basic information from the individual reporting the crime unless further investigation of the crime is within the scope of the CSA’s regular job description.
- If a CSA is informed of a crime, they should encourage the person reporting the crime to contact the Department of Campus Safety or the Elgin Police Department to report the crime. The CSA should be ready to provide assistance contacting Campus Safety (extension 9999) or the Elgin Police Department (911). If the person reporting the crime does not wish to contact the Department of Campus Safety or the Elgin Police Department, then the CSA should complete the Crime Stat Report Form.
- The form is designed to allow Judson University to provide an accurate picture of crime to current and prospective students.
- The completion of a Crime Stat Report Form will not result in a criminal or disciplinary investigation.
- Any personal information disclosed in a Crime Stat Report Form is used only to ensure that crimes are not reported multiple times.
- Following the completion of a Crime Stat Report Form, the CSA should advise the individual reporting the crime that they may still notify the Department of Campus Safety or Elgin Police Department if they change their mind.
- Completed Crime Stat Report Forms should be delivered only to the Department of Campus Safety. Information disclosed on Crime Stat Report Forms is confidential, and subject to FERPA restrictions. Call the Department of Campus Safety (extension 9999) and an officer will meet you to collect the form.
- When in doubt, fill it out. Remember, it is not your job to investigate the alleged crime or determine whether or not a crime actually took place. Simply complete the form. The Clery Compliance Officer and other experts will analyze information and make determinations regarding the facts contained within the form.
- Crime Stat Report Forms are available online.
- Additionally, paper copies are provided to all CSAs upon request of the Department of Campus Safety.
- CSAs are advised to be prepared and have copies of the Crime Stat Report For.
Sexual Harassment Resources
Judson University’s procedure for responding to allegations of sexual harassment and assault is guided by federal regulations including the Jeanne Clery Act and SaVE Act. Under these laws, reports made to University officials considered “responsible employees” cannot be held confidential such that an investigation will not take place. In plain language, if you tell a coach, Campus Safety Officer, faculty member, supervisor, or a member of Student Development/Resident Life that you experienced sexual harassment or assault, they will do their best to protect your privacy, but the University will be required to investigate the incident. The University’s Title IX Coordinator is Campus Safety Director Nick Salzmann and the Deputy Coordinator is Dr. Curtis Sartor. If you would like to talk to someone confidentially such that an investigation will not occur, you may speak with a counselor in the Wellness Center. You may also wish to consider off-campus confidential resources, including the Community Crisis Center of Elgin (847-742-4088); they are trained to explain options. Anonymous reports can be submitted online through the Silent Witness Form (see below).
Silent Witness Reporting
The Silent Witness form is NOT to be used to report an emergency situation.
Sometimes individuals find themselves in a situation where they have knowledge of situations or behaviors that are illegal, threatening, have the potential to be dangerous, or just make you feel uncomfortable. The Silent Witness report is made available to the Judson University community to make it possible for you to report such situations and remain anonymous. The technology used by the form on our “Silent Witness” form page ensures your anonymity. After filling out the form your comments are sent via the server to our Campus Safety offices. No information regarding the campus workstation, your login ID, or email address is included in the email. In filling out this form, you are guaranteed to remain completely anonymous. If you have any information which could assist Campus Safety, please consider becoming a “Silent Witness”.
Fill out a silent witness form.
The Department of Campus Safety offers escorts to all students, staff, and visitors from dusk to dawn. During occasions in which there is an apparent threat to the safety of the campus or in which the requesting party is disabled or injured, officers may provide escorts 24 hours a day. Officers may provide escorts on foot, on a bicycle, or in a vehicle, at their discretion.
- Definition. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
- A student’s submission to unwelcome sexual conduct becomes an explicit or implicit condition of a grade, admission to a program, a favorable recommendation, or a disciplinary or similar decision;
- Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for employment or education decisions.
- Such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering substantially with an individual’s work or educational performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment for work or learning.
- Sexual harassment includes but is not limited too, unwelcome verbal, visual, or physical behaviors. These behaviors may occur as sexual comments or advances, sexual slurs or jokes, leering, displays of sexually suggestive objects or pictures, sexually suggestive gestures, touching, pinching, physical abuse, or sexual assault.
- Victims of sexual assault/rape are strongly encouraged to report offenses immediately.
- Sexual assault is any sexual act directed against another person forcibly or against the person’s will.
- If rape has occurred, it is important that the victim do the following:
- DO NOT SHOWER.
- DO NOT CHANGE CLOTHES.
- DO NOT DISTURB THE AREA WHERE THE RAPE OCCURRED. NOTE: This is to preserve as much evidence as possible.
- The victim should seek medical attention. On-campus you can receive assistance from a Resident Director, Resident Assistant, and Campus Safety.
- Facilities are available off-campus to assist you. You can contact the Elgin Police Department at 847-289-2700 or the Community Crisis center at 847-697-2380. Both are available 24 hours a day.
Off-Campus Confidential Resources for Sexual Harassment, Assault, and Dating Violence
- Elgin Community Crisis Center 847-742-4088
- National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline 1-866-331-9474
- Stalking Resource Center 1-202-467-8700
Illinois Crime Victim Compensation Fund
- The Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Act provides eligible victims of violent crime with up to $27,000 in financial assistance for out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the crime. To be eligible for compensation, law enforcement must be notified within 7 days of the incident. If you go to a hospital and have a sexual assault evidence collection kit performed or if you obtain an Order of Protection or a Civil No Contact Order, this is considered notification. To fill out an application, contact the Crime Victims Compensation Bureau at 1-8000-228-3368 (TTY: 1-877-398-1130).
For an extensive list of policies and resources for sexual misconduct survivors see Judson University’s Title IX Services Page
Sexual Misconduct Policy
See the Title IX Services page for Judson’s policy on sexual harassment and assault.
Sexual Misconduct Survivor’s Rights
Visit the Title IX Services page to download a brochure with resources and information about survivor’s rights.
Crime Prevention & Information
- Do stay alert. Keep your mind on your surroundings, who’s in front of you, and who’s behind you. Don’t get distracted. If you’re worried about crime, ask a friend to accompany you when you go out.
- To communicate the messages that you’re calm, confident, and know where you’re going. Stand tall, walk purposefully, and make quick eye contact with people around you.
- Do trust your instincts! If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave.
- Do go with someone. There’s safety in numbers. Stay away from isolated areas.
- Do walk in well-lit areas. Be prepared for the unexpected.
- Do have your car or house key in hand and ready as you approach either of them.
- Do carry a whistle or noisemaker, to bring attention to a bad situation.
- Do go to another ATM machine if someone suspicious is outside of one.
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash. A front pocket is safer for a wallet than a back one.
- Don’t flaunt expensive jewelry, clothing, or “flash” cash.
- Don’t jog or bike at night.
- Do not prop open the exterior door of your dorm.
- Always lock your door; even if you leave for a few minutes.
- Close and lock your windows when you leave. Record the serial number, model and brand name of any valuables.
- Take care of your keys and access cards. Don’t give anyone a chance to take them from your room.
- Don’t leave your valuables, like your wallet, checkbook, or jewelry, in open view.
- Close your blinds or shades in the evening.
- Engrave electronic items.
- Look out for your fellow students.
- Report any suspicious activity and crimes to the Campus Safety Department.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Park in well-lit, heavily populated areas. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, find another place to park.
- Avoid parking next to occupied vehicles.
- If you have a cell phone, have it accessible.
- Do not leave valuable items visible in your vehicle.
- Always roll up your windows and lock your doors before leaving your vehicle.
- Walk with others to your vehicle whenever possible.
- Carry your keys in hand when you approach your vehicle.
- Look around and check the back seat of your vehicle before entering.
- Upon entering your vehicle immediately lock all doors.
- If you are involved in a minor collision in an isolated area, you may want to drive to a well-lit and populated area before stopping to assess your damage.
- Never pick up hitchhikers.
- While driving, if you noticed that you are being followed, do not go home. Drive to the nearest open store, service station, police station, etc. for help. Blow your horn to draw attention to yourself. Try to get a description of the car following you and its license plate number.
- Phone solicitation is a popular annoyance. However, scam artists are making big money from unsuspecting people who fall for illegitimate solicitation schemes.
- Never assume that a friendly voice belongs to a trustworthy caller.
- Never give out your credit card, Social Security or checking account numbers, or any information about yourself, unless you are the initiating party.
- Ask the caller to identify himself/herself and ask him/her what company he/she is with.
- Never trust an unknown caller who tells you that you have won something, but asks you to send money first.
- Avoid making arrangements to have someone pick up money from your residence.
- If you feel that there is something unsettling going on, hang up.
- Invest in Caller ID to screen calls.
- Consider putting a privacy management feature on your line to stop unwanted calls from reaching you.
- When a legitimate telemarketer calls, you have the right to order the removal of your name and number from their list. Tell them to remove you from the list and never call you again. Make sure they understand what you have ordered. By law, they are required to remove you from their list.
- Check all unsolicited offers with your Better Business Bureau.
- Make sure you keep a file of all your credit card statements, receipts, and customer numbers. You may need them so you can verify any false charges made on your card.
- If you lose your credit card, call and cancel it immediately. The same is true for ATM cards.
- Make sure yu tell the operator to put a stop to all transactions made on the card. This will prohibit people from charging any new purchases to the card.
- After you have notified the credit card company to remove validation of the card, you need to make sure that you contact a credit bureau. Criminals can open new accounts using the credit card number that exists on your credit record. By contacting these bureaus, you can have a fraud stamp on your report to protect you. The numbers are listed at the bottom of this page.
- Maintain privacy while conducting business. If you are being asked for information that you are uncomfortable giving out, do not provide it.
- Make sure you maintain secure interactions on the computer and especially on the internet.
- Never give out your password to anyone posing as a network administrator of any sort.
- Shopping online has grown increasingly popular and much safer in recent years. However, make sure the sites you shop on using the latest encryption technology to secure your user information, credit card numbers, and personal information.
- What’s happening? You could be the victim of identity theft, where an imposter is using your personal information to obtain credit. Then when the thief does not pay the bills, the company itself or a debt collection company contacts you to demand payment. As a result, your credit report is likely to contain negative information about your bill-payment history, and your credit score has probably been lowered considerably, making it difficult or impossible to obtain new credit yourself.
- Click on the name of the credit bureau to link to their Web site or call the toll-free number.
- Experian 1-888-397-3742
- Equifax 1-800-525-6285
- Transunion 1-800-680-7289
- One particular area that Campus Safety is regularly notified of is missing bicycles on campus. Here are steps you can take to deter bicycle theft, and if it does occur, to help in the possible recovery of your bicycle.
- Lock your bicycle. Judson University has provided bicycle racks near each building on campus. When you ride your bicycle anywhere always take the necessary time to lock your bicycle to the appropriate racks. Always secure your lock through the frame as well as both wheels. Make sure that your lock is adequate for the task. Bike thieves often check out bike racks looking for “bargains,” the best bike with the cheapest-looking lock.
- Register your bicycle. Judson University provides registration stickers for your bike at a cost of five dollars, which covers registration with the City of Elgin and the National Bike Registry. Faculty, staff, commuters, and students living in the University dorms may register their bicycles with Campus Safety by stopping at the Campus Safety office during normal business hours. If your bicycle is registered, then stolen and recovered, Campus Safety will know you are the owner and can return the bike to you.
What To Do:
- Once the call is recognized as annoying, harassing, or obscene, hang up immediately.
- Do not engage in conversation.
- Remember that the only thing these callers want is an audience.
- Do not slam the receiver down. Just quietly hang up.
- Do not give out personal information to anyone who calls. This includes your name, address, social security number, ATM codes, etc.
Record The Following:
- Date and time
- Type of call – Hang up, Threatening, Obscene, Prank
- Voice – Male, Female, Young, Old, High, Low, Accent, Intoxicated, Nervous, Other
- Description of Background Noise
Call JUCS at 9999 immediately and an officer will meet with you to fill out a report. This report will be faxed to the Elgin Police Department and an Ameritech trace may be established.
Criminal charges will be made to any individual charged with harassing phone calls. Students charged may also face expulsion from Judson University.