Officers respond to a variety of calls for service and self initiate activity as appropriate. University Police Department services include, but are not limited to:

Adopt a Building
Bicycle Registration and Kryptonite Lock Sales
Communication Center Operations
Community Policing
Contract Security
Crime Prevention and Safety Materials
Directed and Random Patrols
Emergency and Safety Hazard Response / Coordination
Escorts
Fingerprinting
Law Enforcement Services
Motorists Assist
Parking Services
Residential Security Program
Security and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Surveys
Special Community Programs
Special Event Coverage
Traffic Control and Parking Enforcement

Adopt a Building

University Police personnel will make periodic patrols during their shifts in their assigned buildings. Officers will keep their buildings informed about crime in the area, security issues and will be available to discuss any safety concerns. University Police personnel will continue to patrol all University property, but will make a special effort to make extra patrols of their adopted buildings.

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Bicycle Registration and Kryptonite Lock Sales

University Police offer free bicycle registration for all students, faculty and staff. Register your bicycle using the online bicycle registration (PDF) or in person at the the University Police station. Registration serves as a deterrent to theft and aids in the recovery of stolen bicycles. Community members may also register their bicyles with the Evanston Police Department ($1.00 fee) or Chicago Police Department (free) at the University Police station.

Download the Bicycle Registration Form

Following receipt of your registration, a registration sticker will be mailed to you for placement on your bicycle.

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Communication Center Operations

University Police personnel operate the Department Communication Center. Responsibilities include coordinating responses to calls for assistance, monitoring the University "Blue Light" emergency telephones and alarm systems and serving as an informational resource for members of the Northwestern community and the general public.

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Community Policing

The University Police work closely with students, faculty and staff members in a Community Policing program. The program fosters positive community interaction, increases informal police contact with the community, enhances community crime awareness / active participation and promotes community relationships to identify problems and jointly develop solutions.

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Contract Security

On the Chicago campus contract security personnel man stationary posts and make rounds in various campus buildings and University owned parking garages. Contract security personnel supplement University Police resources providing assistance and acting as additional "eyes and ears" on campus.

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Crime Prevention and Safety Materials

Crime prevention and safety pamphlets on a variety of topics are available online or in paper form.

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Emergency and Safety Hazard Response / Coordination

University Police respond to all reports of fire alarms, emergencies and safety hazards coordinating additional emergency response as appropriate.

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Directed and Random Patrols

University Police personnel patrol the campus and designated jurisdictional areas in the vicinity of campus on foot, mountain bikes and squad cars. University Police also make routine security checks of campus buildings.

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Escorts

On the Evanston campus, the SafeRide is available for all Northwestern students, faculty and staff members. The service is provided during the academic year (when classes are in session) seven days a week from 9:00 PM - 2:30 AM (8:00 PM start time when daylight savings time is not in effect). For SafeRide boundaries, click on the SafeRide link. To request a SafeRide escort, call 847-491-7000 and provide your name, Net ID, your pick-up location, destination (address / intersection) and receive an estimated time of escort arrival from the dispatcher.

Upon request, University Police personnel provide walking, bike and on the Chicago campus, squad car, safety escorts to on campus locations. Please note, there may be a waiting period for escorts as the result of concurrent Police related activities.

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Fingerprinting

Some employers, agencies and certain certifications require a set of fingerprints. University Police provide this service for University community members. Please call 847-491-3456 in Evanston or 312-503-3456 in Chicago to schedule an appointment. You must provide photo identification such as a drivers license or a passport.

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Law Enforcement Services

State certified University Police personnel are charged with enforcing State laws, city ordinances and University administrative rules. Officers conduct investigations into criminal offenses and complete reports as appropriate on criminal and non-criminal matters.

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Motorists Assist

In most cases, when an affiliated community member or campus visitor locks their keys inside their vehicle, University Police will attempt to open the vehicle using a door-unlocking device. The requesting party must be the registered owner of the vehicle, have photo identification and sign a waiver. If University Police is unable to unlock your vehicle, we can assist in locating an unlock service. University Police has battery jumper cables that are available to University community members and campus visitors. The Department can also assist in contacting a service center or towing service.

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Parking Services

The Parking Services division on the Evanston campus is located off the entrance lobby of the University Police station. Parking Services sell a variety of parking permits and is directly responsible for parking related matters on the Evanston campus. The University Services Department Parking and Transportation Services Division is responsible for parking matters on the Chicago campus.

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Residential Security Program

The Residential Security Program provides protective services for Northwestern Universitry students residing in University residence halls. Community Service Officers work stationary assignments inside residential facility lobbies on the Evanston campus to monitor and control authorized entry into the residential facility and to report criminal activities, suspicious persons, suspicious circumstances and emergency situations to the Northwestern University Police Department.

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Security and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Surveys

Upon request, University Police will conduct an on campus security survey and make recommendations to improve area security. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) involves a survey of the physical, mechanical and organizational structure of a location to identify features which may contribute to unwanted behaviors such as criminal acts. CPTED and crime prevention are directly related in that a CPTED survey often results in crime prevention recommendations. Eligibility for a CPTED survey is generally predicated upon the existence of a current problem related to crime and is conducted upon request.

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Special Community Programs

Northwestern University Police encourages all faculty, staff and students to take proactive steps to enhance their safety. We offer programs that are designed to educate the University community in personal crime prevention strategies to reduce the likelihood of crime on and off campus. Crime prevention and safety presentations are made to student groups and University employees throughout the year by University Police personnel. Visit our Special Community Programs web page for additional information on available University Police programming.

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Special Event Coverage

University Police can assist in special event planning. Certain events may require that University Police personnel be present to provide for a safe and secure environment. Visit “Hire UP for Special Events” page for additional information.

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Traffic Control and Parking Enforcement

University Police on the Evanston campus enforce rules and regulations relating to the operation of motor vehicles on and in the vicinity of campus. The University Police Department on both campuses investigate on campus traffic accidents and complete related reports. Department personnel also enforce campus parking rules and regulations.

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