"Am I witnessing a crime?" Most of us have found ourselves asking this at some time or another. However, because we are not really sure, we tend to ignore what we have just seen and continue about our business. You should trust your instincts. If something does not feel right, it probably isn't. Crimes are committed by persons of all genders, ages, races and socioeconomic groups. If you see a person committing a crime, IMMEDIATELY contact University Police. Any delay greatly reduces the chances of apprehending the offender.

How to Report Crimes and Emergencies

You may report criminal activity and other emergencies directly to the University Police by dialing 911 from any campus phone or by using any of the University "Blue Light" emergency phones located throughout both campuses. Calling 911 from a campus phone on the Chicago campus will connect you with the Chicago Police Department.

For non-emergencies on either campus, you can contact University Police by dialing 456 from any campus telephone. Non-emergencies may also be reported by calling 847-491-3456 in Evanston or 312-503-3456 in Chicago. You may receive a telephone sticker or magnet, listing University Police telephone numbers, by contacting University Police.

Identifying and Reporting Suspicious Activity

It is important to remember that people aren't suspicious, behavior is!

Signs of behavior that might be suspicious:
* A person trying to enter a residence without the proper access card.
* A person running and looking about furtively, as if he or she were being watched or chased.
* A person going door-to-door in an office building or residential area.
* Any person forcibly entering a locked vehicle or building.
* Transactions being conducted from vehicles, especially near schools or parks. You may be witnessing an illegal drug sale or sale of stolen property,
* One or more persons sitting in a parked car closely scanning the area.
* A person (especially a juvenile or female) being forced into a vehicle
* A person exhibiting unusual mental or physical symptoms.
* Unusual noises, including gunshots, screaming, sounds of fighting, barking dogs, or anything suggesting foul play, danger, or legal activity.

If you see suspicious activity in your building or on / in the vicinity of campus, IMMEDIATELY report it to University Police. When is doubt, call! Provide the following information:

• Person's last known location and direction of travel.
• What made the person's actions suspicious?
• Did the person say anything? If so, what?
• Did the person appear intoxicated?
• Were any weapons displayed or was there threat of a weapon?

Provide a description of the person including:

• Gender
• Race
• Age
• Height
• Weight
• Complexion
• Eye / Hair color
• Facial hair
• Scars
• Tattoos

Don't assume someone else has called University Police. If person(s) involved in suspicious activity are in a vehicle, provide vehicle make, model, color and license plate number. As circumstances warrant, University Police will remove unauthorized persons from the property, issue criminal trespass warnings or make arrests.