About Public Safety - Southwestern Illinois College

Mission

To strive for safe and secure campus environments throughout District No. 522 that uphold the dignity of all people and develop a partnership with students, faculty and staff within the college community.

Vision

To develop a foundation of consistent processes by providing the highest standards of professionalism, safety, security, community service, proactive crime prevention and assistance to law enforcement agencies.

Code of Ethics

Committed to “Excellence in Service” by maintaining the highest standard of ethical and moral behavior; delivering proactive and responsive services to all people; valuing the diversity of the community and always being mindful of the trust bestowed upon the DPS.

Authority

Designated positions within the department are sworn police officer positions with full police powers to include arrest and duty responsibilities in accordance with Illinois Compiled Statute 50, Act 705. All other officers possess arrest authority and duty responsibilities in accordance with ILCS 110, Act 805. All Public Safety officers must meet the minimum employment qualifications set forth in the ILCS and have “private person arrest authority” in accordance with the SWIC Board of Trustees Policy 7006, as amended, and ILCS. Additionally, sworn police officers must meet all requirements of the Illinois Police Training Act and receive the same basic training as regional, city and county peace officers. Officers are certified as first responders and receive additional training to meet the unique needs of the campus environment, as well as first aid and CPR.

District Director

The district director’s position is a sworn police officer position. The director is responsible to the vice president for Administrative Services for districtwide Public Safety operations, and is located on the Belleville Campus. The director provides technical advice and assistance on all Public Safety matters for the college and also serves as adviser to the vice presidents and campus executive directors in terms of assessing Public Safety functions on the campuses.

Belleville Campus

A supervisor for Public Safety administers the Public Safety program on the Belleville Campus. The supervisor’s position is a sworn police officer position. The supervisor is responsible to the vice president for Administrative Services through the director of Public Safety. Public Safety officers are on duty 24 hours a day. Law enforcement support and services for the campus are provided, on call, by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department.

Sam Wolf Granite City Campus

A supervisor for Public Safety administers the Public Safety program on the Sam Wolf Granite City Campus. The supervisor’s position is a sworn police officer position. The supervisor coordinates Public Safety issues through the district director. Public Safety officers are on duty 24 hours a day. Law enforcement support and services are provided, on call, by the Granite City Police Department.

Red Bud Campus

The executive director for the Red Bud Campus administers the Public Safety program on the Red Bud Campus, but coordinates Public Safety issues through the district director. Law enforcement support and services are provided, on call, by the Red Bud Police Department and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department.

Programs and Services for Older Persons (PSOP) Office

The director of PSOP administers the Public Safety program for the PSOP Office, but coordinates Public Safety issues through the district director. Law enforcement support and services are provided, on call, by the Belleville Police Department.

Fire Science Center

The Fire Science coordinator coordinates Public Safety issues through the district director. Law enforcement support and services are provided, on call, by the Belleville Police Department.

Local Police Agency Support

SWIC receives law enforcement support and services from the respective municipal and county law enforcement agencies in those jurisdictions where the campuses are located. The DPS maintains a cooperative relationship with supporting local, state and federal law enforcement and/or public safety agencies. Written Memoranda of Understanding for investigation of alleged criminal offenses have not been formalized; however, the Department of Public Safety conducts the initial investigation of all on-campus criminal offenses on the Belleville and Sam Wolf Granite City campuses. Local law enforcement assistance is requested as needed. The Red Bud Police Department handles all criminal offenses on the Red Bud Campus. The Belleville Police Department handles all criminal offenses at the Fire Science Center and PSOP facilities.