Outreach and Engagement

We offer several programs that promote safety awareness and provide opportunities to learn about law enforcement careers. These programs strengthen our connections with the community and give participants a better understanding of public safety work.

Police Community Relations Presentations

We've been providing our Police Community Relations (PCR) presentations to the public since 1969. They continue to be an important way we empower our community to recognize risk and avoid crime.

The presentations usually focus on staying safe and keeping financial property secure. We promote walking in groups, staying aware of your surroundings and keeping personal information confidential.

Contact us to set up a PCR presentation. We can tailor the program to meet the needs of your group.

Police Ride-along Program

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a police officer? Maybe you were assigned a ride-along for one of your classes. Whatever the reason, our ride-along program gives you the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a police officer.

First, complete the online preregistration form and someone for our staff will contact you. Once you are approved to ride along with us, we ask that you arrive in professional attire, since you'll be representing us to the university and community. You'll also wear a bullet-resistant vest, since our job is frequently dangerous.

Most ride-alongs last for a few hours. You'll be allowed to follow our officers in most situations; however, you'll be instructed to stay safe if officers are faced with a very dangerous situation.

Internships

We offer internships to NIU students in partnership with the Department of Sociology and Criminology. It's a unique opportunity for criminology, sociology and other majors to learn firsthand what being a university police officer is really like.

You'll be encouraged to assist with experiences throughout the entire department, such as:

• Arrests
• Community presentations
• Drug searches
• Event management
• Executing warrants
• Forensics
• Residence hall checks
• Traffic stops