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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student news organization since 1899

 

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

A phone lays on a table, open to the NIU Safe app main page. NIU has modified the criteria for what crimes are considered for a safety alert. (Sam Dion | Northern Star)

What’s up With: NIU Safety Notifications?

By Rachel Cormier, News Reporter | February 12, 2024

DeKALB – NIU’s Safety Notifications have decreased exponentially. Weekly notifications of “shots fired” and “stabbings” have gone down to only five safety alerts for the entire 2023-2024 school year. Students are wondering if crime has indeed...

An emergency call box sits on the walkway on an overcast day across from Huskie Stadium near NIU parking lot L. NIU is in the process of removing and dismantling its more than 80 emergency call boxes across campus. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

‘NIU safe app’ continues to replace emergency call boxes

By Gabby Crabtree, News Editor | December 4, 2023

Editor’s note: This article is part of an investigative news series called “What’s Up With?” Fill out the form for potential coverage of a topic here. DeKALB – NIU is in the process of shutting down and removing all of the emergency call...

NIU President Lisa Freeman hugging Patrick Korellis (left) and Harold Ng, two surviving victims of the Valentines Day shooting that took place in 2008 within Cole Hall, at the 15-year anniversary Forward Together Forward memorial for the victims this afternoon at the Peaceful Reflection Garden outside of Cole Hall. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

NIU continues to stand forward, together

By Bridgette Fox, Written Managing Editor | February 14, 2023

DeKALB – The NIU community stood together in remembrance of the students who were killed 15 years ago. Tuesday’s vigil also came less than 24 hours after a fatal mass shooting on the campus of Michigan State University. On Feb. 14, 2008, five NIU...

An NIU police car parked on campus. NIU Police Chief Darren Mitchell is set to create a 3 year strategic plan.

Future NIU Police strategic plan to set modern-day policing criteria

By Abby Byer | April 18, 2022
Though not drafted yet, NIU Police Chief wants to create a strategic plan that will benefit the police force and community.
NIU racks up $1.15 million in pay for suspended employees since July 2012

NIU racks up $1.15 million in pay for suspended employees since July 2012

By Kelly Bauer | September 10, 2014

Seven NIU employees are on paid leave, adding to the about $1.15 million the university has paid to suspended employees since July 2012.Employees are not able to work while on leave, though they continue to receive their salary in accordance with state...

Deputy police chief placed on paid leave as state police investigate

Deputy police chief placed on paid leave as state police investigate

By Kelly Bauer | February 18, 2014

Darren Mitchell, NIU’s deputy police chief, has been placed on paid administrative leave as the Illinois state police investigate a potential “discrepancy” in his work.NIU Police Chief Tom Phillips said he “came across some discrepancies” late...

Campus Police

NIU names new police chief

By Kelly Bauer | August 28, 2013

Tom Phillips will be NIU's new chief of police starting Sept. 16.Phillips, who was not available to comment Wednesday, was a deputy chief at the University of Chicago Police Department. He will be introduced to the Board of Trustees as its meeting Thursday....

Former NIU police officer Rifkin’s case dismissed

By Felix Sarver | November 27, 2012

The case against Andrew Rifkin, a former NIU police officer who was accused of sexual assault, was dismissed during a hearing on Tuesday. In recent weeks, Rifkin’s attorney, Bruce Brandwein, argued the NIU police failed to provide the DeKalb County...

Grady requested FBI assistance with NIU coffee fund investigations

By Felix Sarver | November 19, 2012

The FBI was asked to help investigate two NIU administrators who had resigned, according to the Chicago Tribune. According to the Chicago Tribune, NIU Police Chief Donald Grady asked the FBI for assistance about two months ago. Grady asked for help in...

SA discusses NIU Police Department changes, elects next Speaker

By Felix Sarver and Erin Kolb | November 11, 2012

According to Austin Quick, students need to demand better of NIU. At the Sunday Student Association (SA) meeting, the SA Senate speaker expressed disappointment with various issues currently affecting the university. Among them were the allegations of...

NIU Police Chief Donald Grady put on administrative leave

NIU Police Chief Donald Grady put on administrative leave

By Kelly Bauer & Felix Sarver | November 10, 2012

NIU Police Chief Donald Grady was put on administrative leave effective immediately Saturday. That same day, Lt. Kartik Ramakrishnan was notified of the university’s intent to discharge him. Paul Palian, director of public and media relations, said...

Mock disaster shows the effects of impaired driving

By Kyle Boyd | October 11, 2012

The eighth annual mock disaster drill was staged outside of the Convocation Center on Thursday. The NIU Police Department teamed up with the DeKalb Fire Department and other local agencies to test emergency preparedness and response in the event of an...