Northwestern University encourages individuals to report incidents to University Police or local law enforcement. Filing a police report can result in the investigation of whether sexual violence or related crimes occurred and the prosecution of the perpetrator. Timely reporting to the police is an important factor in successful investigation and prosecution of crimes, including sexual violence.
University Police can also assist in reviewing options with individuals who report such conduct and identifying and facilitating resources related to:
If the incident occurred on campus, it can be reported to University police, local police, or both. Off-campus incidents should be reported to local police, since off-campus incidents likely fall outside the jurisdiction of University police.
Your safety is our top concern. Criminal incidents, suspicious activity, and emergencies that occur on campus may be reported to University police.
Criminal incidents, suspicious activity and emergencies that occur off campus may be reported to local police. Northwestern University Police Department maintains close working relationships with the Evanston and Chicago Police Departments.
Individuals have the right to notify or decline to notify the police of an incident involving Sexual Misconduct. You may contact the Police directly or may seek assistance from the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance in contacting law enforcement authorities. Filing a Police report does not obligate an individual to participate in any subsequent criminal proceedings.
The Northwestern University Police has a written statement for individuals who report Sexual Assault/Sexual Violence, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, or Stalking that reflects its commitment to sensitivity and privacy.
Employees of the University Police are University employees and therefore are obligated to promptly report incidents of sexual misconduct of which they become aware during the scope of their work as explained below. Employees of the University Police will make reports to OCR regardless of whether the individual who experienced the sexual misconduct chooses to pursue criminal charges.