Message on University security enhancements

-Following is a message to all students, faculty and staff on the Chicago campus detailing security enhancements being made by the University

Dear members of the Chicago campus community,

As you are aware, there have been several robberies on the Chicago campus in recent months. This is a matter of great concern to Northwestern, as the safety and security of our campus community is a top priority for the University. We will host town hall meetings on Thursday, October 12 and Friday, October 13 at Lurie Medical Research Center, Hughes Auditorium, 303 East Superior Street. Town hall meetings will be held on both days from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.-5:45 p.m. All community members are invited and encouraged to attend. 

In response to the incidents, University Police already have taken a number of steps to enhance campus security. Those include:

• Posting additional security officers in the elevator lobbies, in the parking garage elevators, and on each floor of the garages from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

• Increasing University Police officers staffing on the Chicago campus.

• Posting additional security officers on the corners of intersections in visible locations throughout the Chicago campus.

• Working with Northwestern Memorial Hospital to determine key shift-change periods in order to maximize our police and security presence during these times.

• Collaborating with the Chicago Police Department 18th District leadership on additional resources and strategies.

• Continuing to provide safety escorts to members of the University community when requested. Requests can be made by calling 847-491-3456.

University Police and Chicago Police have followed up aggressively on the robberies that occurred. In the robbery that occurred in June, the offenders were identified and taken into custody within 24 hours. In the incident that occurred in September, the offender was arrested the following week. We continue to work with Chicago Police in locating and arresting the offenders in the other incidents. At this time, it does not appear that the same individuals are involved in more than one of the robberies.

I want to assure you that Northwestern will take all necessary measures to protect the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. We also ask your assistance by staying alert when traveling on or off campus, especially at night, keeping electronics stored out of sight and avoiding being distracted by a phone or other device while walking in the area.

Thank you,

Bruce A. Lewis
Associate Vice President and Chief of Police
Department of Safety & Security