5-May-19 – Campus police officers for Northwestern University are getting more police powers.

Northwestern University Police has agreed to expand its scope of operations in Streeterville, according to 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins and 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly. Reilly says it took a year of negotiation.

There are currently five campus police officers and two police cars patrolling an area bounded by Michigan Avenue to the west, Chestnut Street to the north, Lake Shore Drive to the east, and Ontario Street to the south. (Click on image to view larger version.)

Northwestern University Police will be able to communicate by radio with Chicago police. They will be first responders to 911 calls off-campus but on the public right-of-way. And they may pull over vehicles and issue traffic citations.

“Downtown Chicago, and Streeterville in particular, is home to thousands of businesses and residents, as well as some of the world’s most iconic cultural attractions,” said Hopkins on Monday. “It’s crucial that we collectively work to ensure their safety and security.”

According to Hopkins, former 18th police district commander Paul Bauer was on his way to discuss the initiative with him and officials from Northwestern University when he was killed on February 13, 2018. Negotiations resumed earlier this year after a series of burglaries along the Magnificent Mile.

Hopkins also says “the city’s strained police resources” has city officials “advocating for creative tools to supplement the Chicago Police Department.”

Deborah Gerschbein, president of Streeterville Organization of Active Residents, says the goal of her organization is to keep Streeterville “one of the safest neighborhoods” in Chicago. “With the recent increase in incidents of crime and the upcoming summer season, the timing of this coordination will be advantageous in preventing further incidents,” said Gerschbein (right).

Under state law, university police officers have the same responsibilities and enforcement powers as city police officers and county sheriffs. They must graduate from a state-approved police academy and have field and firearm training.

According to Northwestern University, most of its police officers and supervisors have at least a bachelor’s degree and some have advanced degrees.