University News
UPDATE: TIMELY WARNING [3:30 p.m. 8/27/12]
August 27, 2012
UPDATE: TIMELY WARNING [3:30 p.m. 8/27/12]
MACOMB, IL -- An investigation by the Western Illinois University Office of Public Safety (OPS) continues for a reported sexual assault that occurred Sunday morning on the WIU campus.
While Adams Street is heavily patrolled by both OPS and MPD, the Office of Public Safety is increasing patrols in that area. Members of the campus community are reminded that Western's Student Patrol is available to provide escorts on campus during the evening to early morning hours. Student Patrol can be reached by calling OPS at 309/298-1949. OPS officers will also provide escorts on campus. There are also 48 emergency callboxes located throughout campus, including the perimeters of campus. Upon activating the callbox, OPS is contacted immediately for response.
In addition, individuals are encouraged to walk in groups whenever possible; be aware of your surroundings; travel in populated, well-lit areas; use Go West, the University's transit system; use the escort service; trust your instincts and use good judgment; avoid being alone or with someone you do not know; and communicate to others where you are going and with whom.
If you have concerns or questions or need to report a crime or suspicious behavior, please call OPS immediately. If individuals have further information regarding this incident contact OPS at (309) 298-1949.
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TIMELY WARNING: Sexual Assault [7:30 a.m. 8/26/12]
MACOMB, IL -- According to the Western Illinois University Office of Public Safety (OPS), the Macomb Police Department (MPD) received a report around 1:50 a.m. today (Sunday, Aug. 26) of a sexual assault that occurred on the Sherman Hall lawn, along Adams Street.
A female student who resides off campus reported to Macomb police that she was walking alone on Adams Street before midnight when she was grabbed by a male unknown to her and sexually assaulted. Following an initial investigation by MPD, the Office of Public Safety was contacted at approximately 3:30 a.m. to take over the investigation.
OPS would like to remind students living in campus apartments, residence halls and off-campus houses and apartments to make sure they take necessary precautions when walking on or off campus.
• Walk in groups whenever possible.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Travel in populated, well-lit areas.
• Use Go West, the University's transit system, or the OPS escort service.
• Trust your instincts and use good judgment.
• Use common sense. Avoid being alone or with someone you do not know.
• Communicate to others where you are going and with whom.
Western's Student Patrol is available to provide escorts on campus during the evening to early morning hours. Student Patrol can be reached by calling OPS at 309/298-1949. If a Student Patrol member is not available, OPS officers will also provide escorts on campus.
There are 48 emergency call boxes located at strategic locations throughout campus. Without dialing, the caller is immediately in contact with OPS; the location of the call is automatically recorded and response is almost immediate. Public Safety may also be reached in an emergency by dialing 9-1-1 from any campus phone. In a non-emergency, the number is 309/298-1949.
If you have concerns or questions or need to report a crime or suspicious behavior, please call OPS immediately. If individuals have further information regarding this incident contact OPS at (309) 298-1949.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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