Firearms, including, but not limited to:

• Handguns, rifles, and shotguns
• Antique or inoperable firearms
• BB guns, pellet guns, air guns, paintball guns, water guns
• Replica or imitation firearms

Other weapons including, but not limited to:

• Ammunition and explosive materials
• Tasers and stun guns
• Knives (except approved utensils or small folding knives under 4 inches used for lawful educational, occupational, culinary, or maintenance purposes)
• Swords, daggers, machetes, hatchets
• Clubs, batons, blackjacks, brass knuckles
• Crossbows, bows, slingshots
• Nunchucks, throwing stars, or similar devices
• Any object used or intended to be used to cause bodily harm

Explosives and Incendiary Devices including, but not limited to:

• Fireworks of any kind
• Firecrackers, rockets, roman candles, cherry bombs
• Explosive or combustible devices or materials

Common Objects Used as Weapons
Objects not typically classified as weapons may be considered prohibited if used, intended for use, or modified in a manner that could cause harm. Determinations will be based on:

• Context of possession or use
• Intent or behavior of the individual
• Modification or concealment
• Risk to health or safety

Consistent with the Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act, individuals with a valid Illinois Concealed Carry License may transport and store firearms only within a locked, privately owned vehicle parked on University property.

Firearms must remain:

• Out of plain view; and
• Properly secured within the vehicle in accordance with Illinois law.

Firearms may not be carried into or removed from vehicles onto University property, including buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities, or University-sponsored events.

This policy does not apply to:

• Sworn law enforcement officers acting within official duties
• Authorized on-duty security personnel
• Other government personnel authorized by law
• Retired law enforcement officers with valid credentials where permitted by law
• Individuals specifically authorized in writing by the university for educational, research, or instructional purposes

Clear and Present Danger Reporting

The university complies with the Illinois Firearm Owners Identification Card Act and applicable regulations regarding “clear and present danger” reporting. A “clear and present danger” refers to behavior that includes violent, suicidal, homicidal, or assaultive threats or actions, or other conduct that would lead a reasonable person to believe an individual poses a serious and imminent risk of harm to self or others.

Reporting Procedures

Any member of the university community who becomes aware of conduct that may constitute a clear and present danger should immediately contact:

• The Office of Campus Safety
• Local law enforcement
• Emergency services (911), when appropriate

University employees designated as responsible administrators for safety reporting shall promptly notify Campus Safety of any such concerns.

Designated School Administrator

The Director of Campus Safety, or their designee, serves as the University’s designated school administrator for receiving, assessing, and coordinating reports under Illinois clear and present danger reporting requirements.

Campus Safety may coordinate or refer matters, as appropriate, with the Chicago Police Department, the Illinois State Police, and other agencies consistent with applicable law.

Clery Act Compliance

This policy is implemented in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (“Clery Act”). Under the Clery Act, the University is required to:

• Monitor and record certain criminal offenses occurring on or near campus
• Issue Timely Warnings when a serious or continuing threat exists
• Issue Emergency Notifications when there is an immediate threat to health or safety
• Maintain a daily crime log
• Coordinate with law enforcement for reporting and statistical disclosure

Reports under this policy may be evaluated by Campus Safety and designated University officials to determine whether a Clery Timely Warning or Emergency Notification is required.

Campus Safety Authority

North Park University Campus Safety is a non-sworn department and does not have arrest authority. Campus Safety coordinates response, documentation, and communication with law enforcement and University leadership to ensure compliance with Clery Act obligations and applicable law.

Violations

Violations of this policy may result in:

• Removal from University property
• Trespass ban • Student conduct action up to dismissal
• Employment discipline up to termination
• Referral to law enforcement
• Criminal prosecution

Any J-1 exchange visitor found responsible for violating this policy may be reported by the University’s Responsible Officer or Alternate Responsible Officer, including the Director of the Office of International Affairs, to the U.S. Department of State through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program incident reporting process, consistent with applicable federal regulations governing J-1 Exchange Visitor Programs.

To promote the safety, security, and privacy of the university community, the operation, possession, storage, or use of drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or unmanned aerial systems (UASs) on university-owned, leased, or controlled property is prohibited unless expressly authorized in advance by the University.

Students are prohibited from owning, possessing, storing, or operating drones on campus except when approved for:

• official university business;
• authorized research activities;
• instructional or classroom-related purposes; or
• other university-approved operations.

All approved drone operations will be coordinated through the Campus Safety Office and must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements related to:

• registration;
• licensing or operator certification;
• Remote ID requirements;
• airspace authorization; and
• operational safety standards

Requests for drone use must be submitted to the Director of Campus Safety at least 2 business days in advance of the proposed operation. The University reserves the right to deny any request or impose operational restrictions based on safety, privacy, security, risk management, or operational concerns.

Drone operations may not:

• interfere with university operations or emergency response activities;
• create a safety hazard to persons or property;
• invade the privacy of others;
• capture images, video, or audio in violation of university policy or applicable law; or
• otherwise violate federal, state, or local laws or university policies.

Unauthorized drone use may result in student conduct or employee disciplinary action as appropriate, removal from university property, and/or referral to law enforcement or regulatory authorities.

Any individual who has information that a student may be missing, endangered, or experiencing a significant health or safety concern should immediately notify the Center for Student Engagement, Office of Residence Life and Housing, the Campus Safety Office, or local law enforcement.

• Campus Safety Office: 773-244-5600
• Center for Student Engagement: 773-244-5737

Reports may be made by students, employees, family members, friends, or other members of the campus community. The University encourages immediate reporting of concerns and does not require a student to be missing for twenty-four (24) hours before a report is made or an investigation is initiated.

Upon receiving a report that a student may be missing, endangered, or experiencing a significant health or safety concern, the University will initiate an assessment and investigation to determine the student’s whereabouts, well-being, and level of risk. Reports may involve residential, commuter, or non-residential students. The University’s response may include, but is not limited to:

• Attempting to contact the student through available means of communication;
• Contacting roommates, friends, classmates, faculty, employers, or known associates;
• Reviewing class attendance, campus access information, or student ID use, when appropriate;
• Conducting reasonable welfare checks consistent with applicable law and available information;
• Coordinating with Campus Safety, Student Engagement, Counseling Support Services, Residence Life staff, Student Affairs, International Student Affairs, local law enforcement agencies, or other appropriate University officials and resources.

The University will respond to reports involving students in a manner appropriate to the circumstances, available information, and applicable privacy laws.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act), if the University determines that a student residing in on-campus housing has been missing for twenty-four (24) hours, the University will, within twenty-four (24) hours of that determination:

1. Notify the student’s designated emergency contact person, if one has been identified by the student;
2. Notify the student’s custodial parent or legal guardian if the student is under the age of eighteen (18) and not emancipated; and
3. Notify the appropriate law enforcement agency.

If a residential student has not designated an emergency contact person, the University will notify the appropriate law enforcement agency and may notify a parent, guardian, or emergency contact, as appropriate and consistent with applicable law. The University may initiate notification procedures and contact law enforcement before the expiration of the twenty-four (24) hour period if circumstances warrant immediate action.

North Park University recognizes that concerns may arise regarding the health, safety, or welfare of students participating in study abroad programs or other University-sponsored travel experiences. Upon receiving a report that a student participating in a University-sponsored international or domestic travel program may be missing, endangered, or experiencing a significant health or safety concern, the University may coordinate with:

• the study abroad provider or host institution;
• program staff or faculty leaders;
• local emergency contacts;
• local law enforcement or emergency services; and
• appropriate University officials and resources.

The University’s response will depend on the nature of the program, available information, applicable law, and the level of institutional oversight or control associated with the program location or housing arrangement.

Students participating in study abroad or University-sponsored travel programs are strongly encouraged to maintain current emergency contact information with the University and comply with all program safety and communication requirements.

Timely Warnings (Crime Alerts)

These alerts are required when a Clery Act crime is reported that poses a serious or ongoing threat to the campus community. The Clery law clearly defines the map which we use.

• When Sent: After a crime has already occurred (e.g., sexual assault, robbery, series of burglaries).
• Purpose: To inform the community to take precautions, prevent similar crimes, and aid in finding the perpetrator.
• Content: Date, nature, location of the incident, safety tips, and what action to take.
• Delivery: Typically emailed to the entire campus community.

Emergency Notifications (Immediate Alerts)

These are triggered by a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of campus, students, or employees.

• When Sent: While an emergency is occurring (e.g., active shooter, fire, bomb threat, gas leak, tornado).
• Purpose: To provide immediate, life-saving instructions (e.g., shelter in place, evacuation).
• Content: Nature of the threat, immediate protective actions, and often an all-clear message once resolved.
• Delivery: Sent via multiple channels (SMS, phone, email) to ensure rapid awareness.

Community Alerts (Public Safety Alerts)

These are notifications sent to campus community, students, and employees about neighborhood safety issues.

• When Sent: For incidents that, while not always immediate “life-or-death” situations, affect neighborhood safety, such as crime alerts, missing persons, or police activity. Could be sent during or after an incident.
• Purpose: To keep residents informed about nearby incidents and potential risks.
• Content: Information on activity nearby, recent crime trends, traffic incidents, or requests for help identifying suspects. Does not require any follow-up messages.
• Delivery: Typically emailed to the entire campus community.

Information provided by a student for emergency notification and emergency contact purposes will be maintained confidentially and will be used only by authorized University officials and law enforcement personnel involved in a missing student investigation, welfare concern assessment, or emergency response, except as otherwise permitted or required by law.

This Missing Student Notification Policy is included in the University’s Annual Security Report in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. The Annual Security Report is available on the University website and may be obtained upon request from the Campus Safety Office.