The University of Illinois Police Department released its annual “A Year in Review” report in August 2016, providing a comprehensive look at the department and its performance. As part of the review, UIPD compares rates of crime at the University with other schools similar in size and community. Pat Wade, UIPD spokesperson, said the University tends to fall right in the middle of the group for most crimes. Out of the 21 schools that were included in the survey, the University tied with Rutgers University for the highest number of aggravated assault.

However, according to the report, the University “continues to see year-to-year reductions in that area.” Wade said the department’s long-term goal is to constantly work to decrease the amount of crime that occurs on campus.

The department also added a new Special Victims Unit, which currently includes two detectives and one sergeant who have been extensively trained in investigating sexual assault cases. The Special Victims Unit had been put together gradually over the past few years, Wade said, but was made official in the last six to eight months.

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