Community Safety

The University is committed to working with the community and the Chicago Police Department to prevent crime and improve public safety in our community. The University of Chicago Police Department has more than 140 professionally trained officers with full police powers to serve University students and staff, as well as community members. In addition, the University partners with the City of Chicago as well as neighborhood organizations to improve transportation and other aspects of community life.

Whether you are a longtime resident or a newcomer to urban living, it is important to keep in mind that a level of responsibility for crime prevention and personal safety rests with each of us.

We encourage you to take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with our Community Safety FAQs and Safety Resources.

Security Alert

At approximately 1:30 p.m., Thursday, July 25—An unknown male approached a University staff member sitting in his car parked on the east side of South Cottage Grove Avenue near 58th Street. The suspect displayed a handgun and demanded the victim’s car. The victim struggled with the suspect who then fled southbound on a bicycle toward the Midway Plaisance.

Spring Safety Update

Marlon Lynch, Associate Vice President for Safety and Security and Chief of Police, writes with an update on progress in reducing crime on campus and in our surrounding communities, efforts to improve further, and steps we all need to take to keep ourselves safe.