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Western Response Update [Posted 4 p.m. 3/27]

March 27, 2008

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MACOMB, IL -- Western Illinois University's Office of Public Safety, in cooperation with local police, are continuing to investigate a threat that was found at Campus Manor apartments March 26.

In response to yesterday's threat, an increased police presence was added on the Macomb campus and residence halls were locked. The campus remains under heightened security today; however, the University has resumed its regular schedule and all events, including the March 28 production of "The Producers" in Western Hall, will be held throughout the remainder of the week as planned.

"We appreciate the support and assistance we have had, and we are extremely grateful that we were able to return to our regular schedule today," noted President Al Goldfarb.

On Friday, March 28, additional officers from the Office of Public Safety will be on campus to provide an extra measure of security. Individuals witnessing any unusual or suspicious activity should contact the Office of Public Safety immediately by calling 9-1-1 from any campus phone or 309/298-1949, or using one of the 51 emergency callboxes located throughout campus.

Students who have personal concerns should contact the University Counseling Center at 309/298-2453. Individuals with information about the anonymous threat should contact the WIU Office of Public Safety (OPS) at 309/298-1949 or Macomb Area Crimestoppers at 309/836-3222. If the information provided leads to an arrest, the caller may be eligible for a cash reward up to $1,000 from Crimestoppers. Additional donations have made totalling nearly $4,000 for any information leading to the arrest. The WIU Office of Public Safety is currently reviewing the possibility of setting up its own crime tip hotline.

Western Emergency Alert System (WEAS), which is in place to inform the campus communities of any emergencies taking place on the WIU-Macomb and -Quad Cities campuses via text, voice and e-mail messages, was used yesterday to notify the Macomb campus of the threat. The system's database currently holds phone numbers and WIU e-mail addresses from existing personnel and student files. Students, faculty and staff should enter -- and review for accuracy -- supplemental emergency contact information at www.wiu.edu/alertsystem and click on "Sign Up" located on the left sidebar. To sign in, each member of the WIU community can enter his/her nine-digit WIU ID (with no spaces or dashes) and WIU e-mail address. The University will only activate the system for emergency purposes.

Today's press conference will be available later today (March 27) at youtube.com/user/WesternIllinoisU. Audio of the March 26 and March 27 press conferences is available at Tri States Public Radio at www.publicbroadcasting.net/wium/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1250375.

Posted By: Darcie Shinberger, University Relations
Phone: (309) 298-1993 * Fax: (309) 298-1606