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Campus Security

Campus Crime Statistics

Crime Prevention

Lewis University’s Crime Prevention program stresses community awareness and interaction through the dissemination of materials and presentations geared toward familiarizing students, faculty and staff with their responsibility in reducing criminal opportunity. Such programs range from crime prevention presentations to on-site inspections. Examples of Crime Prevention programs directed by Campus Security include the following:

  1. Crime prevention presentations during new Student Orientation Advising and Registration (SOAR) sessions.
  2. Sexual and physical assault prevention programs
  3. Walking escort service and
  4. Night residence hall patrols.

Crime prevention at Lewis is a community-based program. Involvement by all members of the campus community is essential to the success of the program. Campus Security strives to provide leadership and direction for this effort. The main goal is to improve the quality of life for members of the campus community.

Crime Reporting Procedures

The Office of Campus Security is the central reporting agency for all crimes occurring on campus. Investigations will be conducted by the Office of Campus Security in cooperation with University officials and local authorities. Any crime reported to the Office of Campus Security that is in violation of Criminal Law and Procedures in the State of Illinois may also be reported to the Romeoville Police Department for further investigation.

The Office of Campus Security employs at least two full-time supervisors for response purposes per shift, assisted by student officers who are available throughout the day and evening hours. These officers provide a 24-hour patrol to the campus, and screen persons entering the campus through the Information/Security facility at the entrance to the University.

Campus Security personnel are dispatched through the Dispatch Center located in the Information Center on University Parkway. The dispatcher can be reached through the Campus Security direct phone line (815) 834-4222 or through the University phone system (815) 836- 5222. The dispatcher can immediately contact Campus Security personnel, Residence Life duty staff and /or local police and fire departments if necessary. Dispatchers also monitor the National Weather Service radio network for severe weather conditions.

The Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Student Services or his/her designee will provide timely notification to the Lewis community (students, faculty and staff) regarding possibly dangerous conditions or crimes that are reported to Campus Security. Possible methods of notification include “The Flyer” our student newspaper, Lewis community mailboxes, University bulletin boards, the University’s radio and television stations, text messaging, voice or email and/or memo delivery to the residence hall rooms.

When violent crimes are reported to Campus Security, the following campus victim support services will be contacted in order to assist the victim(s):

  • Vice President for Student Services - ext. 5275
  • Dean of Student Services - ext. 5275
  • Associate Director of Residence Life - ext 5275
  • Director of Health and Counseling Services - ext 5455
  • University Ministry personnel - ext. 5840

After 8:00 p.m. this notification is made through the Campus Security Dispatch Center.

As stated above the following, local and/or state authorities will be notified of the crime as appropriate:

  • Romeoville Police Department - (815) 886-7219
  • Romeoville Fire Department - (815) 886-7227
  • Lockport Fire Protection District – (815) 838-3287
  • Will County Sheriff’s Department - (815) 727-8570
  • Illinois State Police (District 5) - (815) 726-6291

The Campus Security Act of 1990, Section 203 (and as amended in 1998) amends Section 438 (b) of the General Education Provisions Act (commonly referred to as the “Buckley Amendment”). The Campus Security Act of 1990, Section 203 (and as amended in 1998) permits disclosure to the alleged victim(s) of violent crimes* the results of the University’s disciplinary proceedings. The Vice President for Student Services or his designee will disclose the results of the University’s disciplinary proceedings to the victim(s) only. This disclosure may take place only after a written request to the Vice President for Student Services is completed by the victim.
*Violent crimes as stated above are defined as those crimes that are reported according to the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 and as amended in 1998, namely:

  • Murder
  • Manslaughter
  • Rape
  • Sex Offenses (forcible or non-forcible)
  • Robbery
  • Aggravated Assault
  • Burglary
  • Theft
  • Motor Vehicle Theft
  • Arson
  • Hate Crimes*

*Hate Crimes are defined by federal law to include:

Any crime of murder, sex offense (forcible or non-forcible), robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, manslaughter, arson, and any other crimes involving bodily injury to any person in which the victim is intentionally selected because of the actual or perceived race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or disability of the victim which is reported to campus security authorities or local police agencies. Data shall be collected and reported according to category of prejudice.

Crime Statistics - Main Campus

 
Offense
2004
2005
2006
Murder
0
0
0
Manslaughter
0
0
0
Sex Offences (Forcible)
0
0
1
Sex Offense (non-forcible)
0
0
0
Robbery
0
1
0
Aggravated Assault
0
0
0
Burglary
2
5
5
Theft (total)
19
35
27
Theft $300 and over
3
9
4
Theft Under $300
16
26
23
Motor Vehicle Theft
1
0
0
Arson
1
2
1
Hate Crimes
0
0
0
Alcohol (under 21) no arrest
71**
80**
156*
Total Crimes
94
123
190
 

** This number represents those violations of University policy that were also a violation of state or local law. While arrests were not made, nor criminal prosecutions sought, all incidents resulted in judiciary proceedings within the University.

 

 
Arrests
2004
2005
2006
Offense
Liquor Law Violation
1
1
0
Drug/Narcotic Violation
1
2
2
Weapons Law Violation
1
0
0
Trespassing
0
0
0
Burglary
0
0
0
Reckless Driving
0
0
0
Damage to Property
0
0
0
Hit and Run (no injuries)
0
0
0
Theft
0
0
0
Aggravated Assault *
0
0
0
Total Arrests
3
3
2
       
 

*Also includes all arrests for Domestic Assault/Battery

 

Crime Statistics - Oakbrook Campus

 
Offense
2004
2005
2006
Murder
0
0
0
Manslaughter
0
0
0
Rape
0
0
0
Sex Offences (Forcible)
0
0
0
Sex Offense (non-forcible)
0
0
0
Robbery
0
0
0
Aggravated Assault
0
0
0
Burglary
0
0
0
Theft (total)
0
0
0
Theft $300 and over
0
0
0
Theft Under $300
0
0
0
Motor Vehicle Theft
0
0
0
Arson
0
0
0
Hate Crimes
0
0
0
Alcohol (under 21) no arrest
0
0
0
Total Crimes
0
0
0
       
 

 

 
Arrests
2004
2005
2006
Offense
Liquor Law Violation
0
0
0
Drug/Narcotic Violation
0
0
0
Weapons Law Violation
0
0
0
Trespassing
0
0
0
Burglary
0
0
0
Reckless Driving
0
0
0
Damage to Property
0
0
0
Hit and Run (no injuries)
0
0
0
Theft
0
0
0
Aggravated Assault *
0
0
0
Total Arrests
0
0
0
       
 

*Also includes all arrests for Domestic Assault/Battery


Crime Statistics - Tinley Park Campus

 
Offense
2004
2005
2006
Murder
0
0
0
Manslaughter
0
0
0
Rape
0
0
0
Sex Offences (Forcible)
0
0
0
Sex Offense (non-forcible)
0
0
0
Robbery
0
0
0
Aggravated Assault
0
0
0
Burglary
0
0
0
Theft (total)
0
0
0
Theft $300 and over
0
0
0
Theft Under $300
0
0
0
Motor Vehicle Theft
0
0
0
Arson
0
0
0
Hate Crimes
0
0
0
Alcohol (under 21) no arrest
0
0
0
Total Crimes
0
0
0
       
 

 

 
Arrests
2004
2005
2006
Offense
Liquor Law Violation
0
0
0
Drug/Narcotic Violation
0
0
0
Weapons Law Violation
0
0
0
Trespassing
0
0
0
Burglary
0
0
0
Reckless Driving
0
0
0
Damage to Property
0
0
0
Hit and Run (no injuries)
0
0
0
Theft
0
0
0
Aggravated Assault *
0
0
0
Total Arrests
0
0
0
       
 

*Also includes all arrests for Domestic Assault/Battery


Crime Statistics - Hickory Hills Campus

 
Offense
2004
2005
2006
Murder
0
0
0
Manslaughter
0
0
0
Rape
0
0
0
Sex Offences (Forcible)
0
0
0
Sex Offense (non-forcible)
0
0
0
Robbery
0
0
0
Aggravated Assault
0
0
0
Burglary
0
0
0
Theft (total)
0
0
0
Theft $300 and over
0
0
0
Theft Under $300
0
0
0
Motor Vehicle Theft
0
0
0
Arson
0
0
0
Hate Crimes
0
0
0
Alcohol (under 21) no arrest
0
0
0
Total Crimes
0
0
0
       
 

 

 
Arrests
2004
2005
2006
Offense
Liquor Law Violation
0
0
0
Drug/Narcotic Violation
0
0
0
Weapons Law Violation
0
0
0
Trespassing
0
0
0
Burglary
0
0
0
Reckless Driving
0
0
0
Damage to Property
0
0
0
Hit and Run (no injuries)
0
0
0
Theft
0
0
0
Aggravated Assault *
0
0
0
Total Arrests
0
0
0
       
 

*Also includes all arrests for Domestic Assault/Battery


Crime Statistics - Shorewood Campus

 
Offense
2004
2005
2006
Murder
0
0
0
Manslaughter
0
0
0
Rape
0
0
0
Sex Offences (Forcible)
0
0
0
Sex Offense (non-forcible)
0
0
0
Robbery
0
0
0
Aggravated Assault
0
0
0
Burglary
0
0
0
Theft (total)
0
0
0
Theft $300 and over
0
0
0
Theft Under $300
0
0
0
Motor Vehicle Theft
0
0
0
Arson
0
0
0
Hate Crimes
0
0
0
Alcohol (under 21) no arrest
0
0
0
Total Crimes
0
0
0
       
 

 

 
Arrests
2004
2005
2006
Offense
Liquor Law Violation
0
0
0
Drug/Narcotic Violation
0
0
0
Weapons Law Violation
0
0
0
Trespassing
0
0
0
Burglary
0
0
0
Reckless Driving
0
0
0
Damage to Property
0
0
0
Hit and Run (no injuries)
0
0
0
Theft
0
0
0
Aggravated Assault *
0
0
0
Total Arrests
0
0
0
       
 

*Also includes all arrests for Domestic Assault/Battery


Crime statistics may also be viewed on the U.S. Department of Education website at http://www.ope.ed.gov/security/search.asp

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Analysis of Crime Statistics

Following are the highlights of the statistical data:

  • Thefts reported in 2006 were 27. This total is down from the 2005 figures of 35.
  • Theft Under $300 decreased from 26 to 23 reported incidents.
  • Theft Over $300 decreased from 9 to 4 reported incidents.
Increased presence in the Residence Halls by Residence Life and Campus Security combined with better student efforts to secure their belongings is the most probable reason for this decrease.
  • Burglary remained constant at 5 reported incidents – the same number as reported in 2005.
  • One Sex Offense (Forcible) was reported in the 2006 year. This offense is reported to have occurred in the year 2000 and was just reported this past year. While the crime is considered to be unsolvable by the Romeoville Police, due to the lack of evidence presented by the victim, it is still reportable under the Campus Security Act.
  • Alcohol Violations increased from 80 incidents reported in 2005 to 156 reported in 2006. This increase is attributable to several factors:
    1. Increased number of Residence Life staff and increased presence in the residence halls by Residence Life and Security.
    2. Higher concentration on alcohol violations during the first and last weeks of the semesters when usage is historically higher.
    3. Increased numbers of resident students.
    4. It should also be noted that 80% of the violations reported were one-time violations-with most occurring in the Fall 2006 semester.
    5. Addition of one new residence hall.

Once again, less than 10% of the total reported crimes were classifiable as “forcible”. This means that no force was used to enter the affected area and commit the offense. Campus Security and Residence Life, while increasing the presence of staff in the residence halls during the evening/night hours, reminds all community members to make themselves and their property as safe and secure as possible.

Two drug arrests were recorded for the 2006 calendar year. We believe that the ability to maintain this low figure is primarily due to the efforts of the Office of Student Services to educate our students on the dangers of drug use/abuse during orientation programs as well as the increase in staff and programming in the residence halls. At the same time, the University’s zero tolerance policy regarding drug possession and increased efficiency in identifying those involved are also responsible for this figure.

(For more information on Lewis University’s policy regarding illegal drugs and alcohol refer to the Student Handbook.)

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Drug and Alcohol Policy

State of Illinois and the Village of Romeoville laws prohibit the possession, use or purchase of liquor, beer, or wine by persons under 21 years of age. Lewis University complies with Federal, State and Local laws including those which regulate the possession, use and sale of alcohol and illegal drugs or controlled substances. The following represents a general summary of the Alcohol and Drug Policies of Lewis University. On the University’s premises or at University sponsored activities, the following are prohibited:

  1. providing alcoholic beverages to individuals under 21 years of age, or possession of alcoholic beverages by individuals under 21 years of age.
  2. possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage, public intoxication, driving while intoxicated and drinking alcoholic beverages in an unauthorized public place.
  3. distribution, possession or use of any illegal drug(s) or controlled substance. (Explained more specifically in the Student Handbook)

The Student Handbook outlines more policies and procedures and disciplinary actions. Possible sanctions for violations range from fines to dismissal from the University.

Alcohol may be consumed in moderation by students who are at least 21 years of age in their own room with the door closed. Guests of students must also be at least 21 years of age.

Further, at sanctioned student organization event(s), where alcohol is present, a State of Illinois Driver’s License or other identification with individual’s date of birth must be produced upon request of a Lewis University official or local law enforcement officer(s).

All students are prohibited from possessing or consuming alcoholic beverages on campus, including the grounds and non-residential campus facilities, except as authorized by University personnel.

The Center for Health and Counseling Services will provide student counseling and refer students to related campus and off-campus alcohol and drug education.

Educational programs addressing alcohol and other drugs are co-sponsored by the Office of Student Services, the Office of Residence Life, University Ministry, the Student Recreation and Fitness Center, Health and Counseling Services, and Campus Security.

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Procedures Regarding Sex Offenses

Should a sexual offense occur on campus, the offense should be reported to the Campus Security Department. The victim will need to decide whether or not to pursue the matter with the law enforcement officials. In either case, the Office of Campus Security will report the offense to the Romeoville Police Department. The victim will then notify the law enforcement officials of the decision as to whether or not to pursue criminal action.

It is very important that evidence be preserved at the scene of the alleged offense for proof of the criminal offense. Any pieces of clothing, weapons, etc. should not be touched until the Romeoville Police Department officials arrive. It will be the responsibility of the Office of Campus Security personnel to place a guard at the scene of the alleged offense to ensure that no persons tamper with evidence until the Romeoville Police Department evidence technicians arrive.

The following Campus Victim Support Services will be notified so that they can be available to assist the victim:

  1. Director of Campus Security
  2. Director of Campus Life
  3. Director of University Ministry
  4. Director of Health and Counseling Services
  5. Dean of Student Services
  6. Vice President for Student Services

The following off-campus victim support services are available to assist the victim:

  1. Provena St. Joseph Medical Center
    Emergency Room Sexual Assault Team
    333 N. Madison St.
    Joliet, IL.
    (815) 725-7133

  2. Silver Cross Hospital
    1200 Maple Road
    Joliet, IL.
    (815) 740-7050 (Emergency Room)

  3. Crisis Line of Will County
    (815) 722-3344

  4. Groundwork
    (815) 729-1228

  5. Sexual Assault Services Center
    (815)730-8984

  6. Linden Oaks Hospital
    852 West Street
    Naperville, Il.
    (800) 955-OAKS (6257)

Lewis University takes immediate steps to investigate all reported allegations of sexual misconduct and ensure the safety of the victims. The University may change academic and living arrangements after an alleged sex offense if appropriate. The University advises victims of the option for a change in academic and living arrangements. Victims are advised to address the request for the change to the Director of Residence Life.

The Office of Residence Life conducts Judicial Board hearings with the purpose of examining relevant information and evidence in order to determine whether the accused student is in violation or not in violation. The hearing is conducted according to the dictates of fairness and due process. Only persons directly involved with the case are allowed at the hearing. Both the accused and the accuser are entitled to the same opportunity to have an advisor present during a disciplinary hearing. Both the accuser and the accused shall be informed of the final determination of the judicial proceedings concerning an alleged sexual offense. The University may impose sanctions up to and including expulsion following a final determination by the Board.

For further information concerning the Judicial Process, please refer to the Student Handbook.

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Registered Sex Offenders

As a provision of the Campus Security Act as amended, Lewis University is required to provide information to members of the community on the presence of registered sex offenders living in the area. The Illinois State Police provides an online listing of sex offenders required to register in the State of Illinois. The database is updated daily and allows searching by city, county, and zip code.

This information may be obtained from the Illinois State Police on the internet at http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/.

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Weapons Possessions

The possession, use or sale of firearms, ammunition, fireworks, major or minor explosives, or any lethal weapon (including paint ball guns, pellet or B.B. guns, hunting bows, arrows, and knives) is forbidden on campus. Violators are subject to University disciplinary action up to and including expulsion from the University; as well as to Federal, State of Illinois, and local criminal actions.

Only the Vice President for Student Services can approve the use of firearms on the Lewis University campus. The Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) program has been granted permission by the Office of Student Services to carry firearms on campus for training purposes only.

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Residence Life Policies and Procedures

The Residence Life staff maintains a strong commitment to campus safety and security. The Residence Life department monitors safety and security in the residence halls. On call duty responsibilities play a major role in this commitment. Residence Life staff members are on duty in the residence halls whenever the Office of Student Services is closed. The duty staff is available by telephone or radio contact. They are responsible for completing rounds regularly throughout all of the residence halls.

Residents may call ext. 3889 (D-U-T-Y) in order to access duty staff. This is the D-U-T-Y hotline. Should residents be unable to reach a staff member by phone, they may contact Campus Security so that the duty staff member can be contacted by radio.

All residence hall exterior doors other than designated entrance/exit doors are alarmed and secured at all times. These doors are to be used to exit the building only in an emergency situation. Any tampering with these doors will result in up to a $1,000 fine to the responsible parties or to the entire building when the violators are unknown. Residents must use their room key to gain entry into the building.

The Office of Residence Life, located in the Office of Student Services, hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. each weekday. Students are encouraged to call the office at ext. 5275 during the day should they need to contact a staff member in an emergency. The hall staff contacts Campus Security for emergency support on a 24-hour basis.

The Dean of Student Services, the Director of Residence Life, and the Assistant Director of Campus Security reside on campus and are available to staff for referral and emergency response purposes. Residence Life staff report any damages/hazards in the residence halls. Violations of University policy are documented by the Residence Life staff and referred to a Coordinator of Student Life for appropriate judicial action.

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