DeKALB – The NIU Department of Police and Public Safety is active 24/7 around campus to offer services for students, staff and faculty. 

The department focuses on emergency responses, crime prevention and providing safety services to help the NIU community.

Jason John, the department’s chief of police, discussed the goals the department strives to achieve.

”It doesn’t matter whether you’re a student, a faculty member or a staff member,” John said. “We just want to do our part to make sure everybody’s safe.”

NIU PD offers more services than typical law enforcement, such as the Safe Walk Service. Provided through the NIU Safe App, this service enables students and staff to call for an escort anytime they feel unsafe walking alone around campus. 

The department also has a Huskie Safe Line, a shuttle service that helps students get around safely at night. The Huskie Safe Line is operated by DeKalb Public Transit and can be contacted at 815-748-2000.

John goes on to describe how these features in the app can help NIU students.

“There’s a lot of safety features,” John said. “From walking escort services to a panic alarm button to just even tracking the bus.”

With the extreme cold conditions blanketing DeKalb, one of their services has been extremely helpful for students. The department provides motorist assistance, which includes jump-starting a dead battery or unlocking a vehicle in case the keys are still stuck inside.

”I would encourage people to get to know us, and I think by getting to know the services we offer and stuff like that, you know,” John said. “Again, we’re not just law enforcement. We are a campus support system.