10/04/2023 4:25 pm
First observed in October 1981, the national “Day of Unity” set a goal of raising awareness for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Since then, it has grown into an entire month (October) dedicated to bringing attention to this critical issue. In 1989, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) began with education and support from friends, family, and organizations.
Rockford University is proud to recognize and support DVAM and the Domestic Violence National Day of Unity, which will be observed this year on October 19th. Throughout October, the Rockford University Department of Public Safety, with the help of volunteer RU students, will be sponsoring events to bring attention to Domestic Violence. Events include ribbon awareness, bracelet awareness, and speaking with domestic violence professionals, among other events.
Because Thursday, October 19th, falls during Fall Break, we will commemorate Domestic Violence Day of Unity on Thursday, October 26th. We ask that all campus community members show support by wearing purple.
08/09/2023 1:56 pm
ALL campus community members must register any vehicle they plan to park on University property.
Parking violations have been a long-standing issue at Rockford University. The Department of Public Safety has made a concerted effort to address this ongoing problem over the past few years. Starting Fall 2023, ALL campus community members shall be required to provide a photo of the back of the vehicle you are registering to ensure accuracy and accountability. Students can do so exclusively via the Rockford University Public Safety App.
Thank you!
Please use the QR code to open the app on your smartphone or tablet and follow the instructions to install it on your smartphone or tablet. Click HERE to place a “shortcut” on your laptop or desktop computer.
02/06/2023 8:57 am
The Department of Public Safety is committed to providing all campus community members with the highest quality of service. We strive to do so by taking a forward-thinking approach to safety and security. As part of our continued efforts to improve our services, we strongly encourage everyone to install the Rockford University Public Safety (RUPS) app on their smartphones, tablets, and computers. The RUPS APP will make many essential RUPS resources conveniently available through a user-friendly app for your devices. The RUPS APP allows access to the following:
Please use the QR code to open the app on your smartphone or tablet and follow the instructions to install it on your smartphone or tablet. Click HERE to place a “shortcut” on your laptop or desktop computer.
01/15/2023 7:43 pm
01/11/2023 1:47 pm
Daily Crime Log
The Daily Crime Log is maintained in accordance with the federal Clery Act. It is meant to give you information about crimes reported in the university area during the last 60 days. To view the crime log, please Click HERE to view.
03/24/2021 3:25 pm
Rockford University is committed to providing a safe, secure, and respectful campus environment for our students, faculty, staff, and visitors. To support that goal, this Anonymous Report Form provides a completely anonymous method of sharing information with University personnel. You may also include your name and/or contact information if you choose to do so.
If you know of an incident that has occurred on campus, we would like you to report it. Please fill out the form below. This information will be submitted to the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, Director of Public Safety, Director of Human Resources, and Title IX Coordinator.
This form is NOT intended for in-progress incidents. If you are currently witnessing an incident, please call Public Safety at 815-226-4060. Please report all in in-progress crimes by calling 911 for emergencies and 815-966-2900 for non-emergencies.
PLEASE NOTE: you are completing the following form under the condition of anonymity. Your identity is not in any way included with the submission. If you wish to have someone contact you, please include your contact information in the form fields provided.
12/11/2018 10:22 am
Your citation dispute has been submitted to the Department of Public Safety.
Please allow up to 7 days for a response as we review your case.
If you have any questions or want to provide additional information, you may do so by sending an email to parkingcitations@rockford.edu.
RU Police & Department of Public Safety
Burpee Center
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108Citation Review Officer
jmallo@rockford.edu
(815) 226-4116
12/11/2018 10:12 am
If you received a citation from the Department of Public Safety and feel that the citation was issued in error or you think that you should not have received the citation, you may use this form to submit a dispute. Your dispute will be reviewed by the department and you will receive a response within 7 days.
Please keep the following information regarding citation disputes in mind:
If you have trouble with the citation dispute form, you my email parkingcitations@rockford.edu for assistance.
11/28/2016 11:48 am
Federal and state laws, and Rockford University policy, prohibit the sale, re-sale, possession, use or distribution of any controlled substances or prescription medication. The sole exceptions to this policy are (1) the use of prescribed medications by the patient for whom the medication was prescribed where such medication is used only as directed by the physician who prescribed the medication; and (2) the sale and/or dispensing of prescription medications by healthcare professionals within the scope of their licenses to do so and in accordance with the law.
Students found in violation of this policy are subject to serious University disciplinary action (suspension or dismissal) and arrests under the state and federal laws.
The University has the authority to enter and search any room or area of the campus where there is reason to believe that established standards of conduct or health and safety regulations are being violated, or when there is reason to believe that illegal drugs/substances may be stored, used, sold or otherwise distributed.
Finally, Rockford University reserves the right to notify the Rockford City Police Department whenever drugs or drug-paraphernalia are found on campus. Therefore, in addition to College-related disciplinary action, students violating drug policies risk arrest and prosecution for violations of drug-related laws by city, state, or federal offices. Therefore, in addition to College-related disciplinary action, students violating drug policies risk arrest and prosecution for violations of drug-related laws by city, state, or federal offices.
Violations of this policy will be processed through the Student Code.
Students must be at least 21 years old to possess/consume alcohol in rooms and anywhere else on campus. Furthermore,
The following criminal penalties are applicable to the identified categories of offenses:
Illinois Law
In Illinois, it is against the law to sell or deliver alcohol to anyone under 21 (twenty-one), or to any intoxicated person [235 ILCS 5/6-16]. Violations can result in fines of up to $1,000 and one year in jail.
It is also illegal for a person under 21 to present false identification in an attempt to purchase alcohol, to purchase, accept delivery or have possession of alcohol, or to consume alcohol. [235 ILCS 5/6-20] Violation of the law is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison.
Recent legislation signed by the Governor provides further penalties: (1) The Secretary of State is authorized to suspend or revoke without a hearing the driver’s license or instruction permit of a person under 21 who has purchased or attempted to purchase alcohol from a duly licensed establishment or who has consumed alcohol on licensed premises. (2) Local liquor commissioners have the duty to report to the Secretary of State any conviction for a violation of the Liquor Control Act, or a similar provision of a local ordinance, prohibiting a person under 21 from purchasing, accepting, possessing, or consuming alcohol and prohibiting the transfer or alteration of identification cards, the use of the identification card of another or a false or forged identification card, or the use of false information to obtain an identification card. (3) The Secretary of State is authorized to suspend or revoke the driver’s license or learner’s permit of any person convicted of violating any of the prohibitions listed above in “(2)” or similar provisions of local ordinances.
Substantial penalties exist in Illinois for the operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of .08 or greater. Arrests are also possible at lower alcohol levels if driving is impaired. The first offense can result in a $1,000 fine, incarceration for up to one year, and suspension or revocation of the offender’s driver’s license. Subsequent offenses entail penalties of significantly greater severity. Transporting open alcohol containers in a motor vehicle is also punishable under Illinois law.
Possession and delivery of illicit drugs are prohibited in Illinois through the Cannabis Control Act [740 ILCS 40/0.01 et seq.] and the Controlled Substances Act [720 ILCS 570/100 et seq. and 720 ILCS 570/401 et seq.]. Penalties vary with the amount of the drug confiscated; the type of drug found; the number of previous offenses by the individual; and whether the individual intended to manufacture, sell, or use the drug. A first-time conviction of possession of a controlled substance can result in a one- to three-year prison sentence, plus a fine of up to $15,000. More severe penalties may be imposed for conviction of class 2, 3, or 4 felonies involving manufacture or delivery to a minor.
Vehicles used with knowledge of the owner in the commission of any offense prohibited by the Cannabis Control Act or Controlled Substances Act can be seized by the government; all ownership rights are forfeited.
Federal Law
Under the revised federal sentencing guidelines, federal courts can sentence simple-possession first offenders to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Penalties for subsequent convictions are significantly greater [21 U.S.C. 844(a)]. A sentence of life imprisonment can result from a conviction for possession of a controlled substance that results in death or bodily injury. Possession of more than five grams of cocaine can trigger an intent-to-distribute penalty of ten to sixteen years in prison [U.S.S.G.S. 2D2.1(b)(1)].
Excerpt used with permission of University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign, Division of Public Safety
A problem exists when one’s use of alcohol causes physical or emotional harm, impairs one’s judgment, infringes upon the rights of others, or interferes with one’s work, relationships, or daily life. Rockford University regards an alcohol problem as it does other behavioral/medical ones and does not attach a moral or social stigma to such personal difficulties. Alcohol and other chemical dependency problems can be treated successfully if they are identified as early as possible and if appropriate treatment programs are promptly instituted. Rockford University is committed to providing resources for prevention programs and referral for treatment as needed.
RU Department of Public Safety
5050 E. State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4060
fax: 815-394-5293
Tim Trevier, Director of Public Safety
Jason Mallo, Deputy Director of Public Safety
PublicSafety@rockford.edu
11/28/2016 11:43 am
Personal safety begins with you! You are responsible for your actions and behaviors. Exercise common sense in your daily life. Statistics show theft is the most common crime on university campuses today. These crimes are mainly due to carelessness. Most thefts on campus occur when rooms are left unlocked and personal property is left unattended.
1. Familiarize yourself with your school’s Campus Safety office.
Every school has a Campus Safety or security office, and part of your tuition funds it. Please make the most of this resource by utilizing its services. Your college’s website likely provides information like office hours and phone numbers, but you can also visit in person when you arrive on campus.
Next Step: Call or visit the Campus Safety office and request information about their programs. Find out if your campus has the following services and how you can take advantage of them:
• Campus escort services
• Safety maps with suggested secure routes
• Support for a safety app like Campus Safe
2. Take extra precautions at night.
On average, sexual assaults and other crimes are more likely to occur at night. And while you shouldn’t scare yourself into assuming danger is around every corner, you shouldn’t take unnecessary risks, such as walking alone at night. Instead, use the buddy system or call campus security for a ride.
3. Always lock up.
Just as you wouldn’t leave your house without locking the front door, don’t leave your dorm or apartment without locking up — even if you plan on only being gone a few minutes. If you live on the first floor, close your windows, shut the blinds, or hide your valuables in drawers whenever you leave.
Next Step:
4. Maintain privacy on social media.
Social media is an excellent platform for connecting with friends and family worldwide or sharing updates about your life. However, with everything you post, stay aware of who else could be viewing your profile. Avoid geotagging your photos, as it reveals your location to strangers, and don’t publicly announce when you’re alone or leaving your home unattended.
Next Step: Review the settings on each of your social media profiles. Disable location services, make your accounts private and think twice before sharing anything. Remember: once something gets posted on the Internet, it’s tough to remove it entirely.
For more information on keeping your accounts secure, please read through our Social Media Safety Guide.
5. Be careful when getting into your car.
Most people don’t think to look in their backseat or under the car before getting behind the wheel. However, A predator could hide in one of those locations, especially if you tend to leave your vehicle unlocked or keep your windows rolled down. When walking to your car, approach at an angle that allows you to see around the vehicle and check the back seat before opening the door.
Next Step: Lock your car doors and engage your car alarm every time you leave your car, even if you’re running just a quick errand. If your vehicle doesn’t have an alarm feature, our Aftermarket Car Alarm Comparison can help you find a reliable alarm option.
6. Know where you’re going.
Whenever you set out to town or class, know where you’re heading and how to get there. Walk confidently and avoid looking confused, even when trying to navigate a new location. If you’re in an unfamiliar area, don’t use headphones, let your phone distract you, and focus on finding your destination.
Next Step: Download your campus map onto your phone and use your GPS to find popular, highly trafficked routes to get to your destination. Apps like Campus Maps can also help you navigate your school campus. Always try to avoid walking along deserted paths, and when in doubt, stick to the routes with which you’re most familiar — even if they take a little longer.
7. Understand your campus’s and city’s crime.
The more you know about the crime in your local area, the better you can prevent similar incidents from happening to you. Most colleges and universities provide on-campus crime statistics, and several websites offer a thorough overview of a city’s crime rates, including the type of offense and specific locations where the crime occurred.
Next Step:
8. Learn how to defend yourself.
There’s nothing more empowering than knowing how to protect yourself physically. You’ll feel safer and more confident, especially if you live or travel alone. You don’t need a black belt in karate to master self-defense; you only need a few classes and tips from a professional instructor. Depending on your interests, there are several types and styles of courses from which to choose.
Next Step: Sign up for a self-defense class in your area, such as Krav Maga or jiujitsu. These classes are often available at colleges and gyms. If you’re shy or nervous, ask a few friends to take the course.
9. Have safety and security supplies readily accessible.
Keeping a few safety supplies on hand can help you feel more protected. While stun guns aren’t legal in all states, less drastic self-defense products like pepper spray and mace are easier to obtain and can be as helpful. Many colleges also provide new students with whistles, which you can use to alert those nearby when you require assistance or are in danger.
Next Step: Pack your safety supplies into a small kit, and fasten the equipment on a key ring, lanyard, or backpack. These items should be easy to grab anytime, as they will only do you a little good if they’re buried at the bottom of your bag.
College is an incredible and rewarding experience. But as busy as you’ll be adjusting to independence, new classes, and new friends, remember to stay safe and maintain awareness. These nine simple steps can significantly increase your chances of having a safe and successful school year.
The above safety tips are provided by the Department of Public Safety and are intended to help ensure your safety while a member of our campus community.
Department of Public Safety
5050 East State Street
Rockford, IL 61108
815-226-4060Jason Mallo, Director of Public Safety | Burpee Student Center | (815) 226-4116 | JMallo@rockford.edu
Tom Henn, Assistant Director of Public Safety Officer | Burpee Student Center | (815) 226-4114 | THenn@rockford.edu
Joab Irwin, Senior Public Safety Officer | Burpee Student Center | (815) 226-4110 JIrwin@rockford.edu
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