UI Police increase patrols, remind faculty, staff of safety guidelines

The UI Police have announced that they will be taking the following special
precautions after the body of a staff member was discovered Oct. 31 on
campus. The police will increase patrols at 5 p.m., start student patrols
earlier, step up vehicular patrols and escorts to parking lots as needed,
and distribute safety tips.

At approximately 11:20 p.m. Oct. 31, the body of Maria Pia Gratton, a
research programmer for the School of Chemical Sciences, was discovered in
the basement of 1207 W. Oregon St., Urbana. Gratton was last seen alive by
a co-worker at approximately 5:15 p.m. Tuesday. UI Police, Illinois State
Police Crime Scene technicians and the State's Attorney's office are
investigating Gratton's death as a homicide.

In addition, the UI Police offer the following personal safety reminders:

 * Walk alertly and keep your mind on your surroundings - who's in front of
   you and who's behind you.
 * Communicate the message that you're confident and know where you're going.
   Stand tall, walk purposefully, and make eye contact with people around you.
 * Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation,
   leave.
 * Use well-lit and busy sidewalks. Try to avoid deserted sidewalks, vacant
   lots, alleys, construction sites and wooded areas. Always take the safest
   route, even if it's a little longer.
 * Walk facing traffic so that you can see approaching cars.
 * Don't wear stereo headphones. They prevent you from hearing what's around
   you.
 * If you feel you're being followed, cross the street, head for the nearest
   well-lit populated area, yell for help and call the police as soon as
   possible.
 * Carry a whistle or a personal alarm.
 * Walk in pairs when possible.
 * Never hitchhike.

Safe alternatives to walking alone on campus are to use the campus-area MTD
bus transportation system, to call Nite-Rides at 333-3184 for a free ride,
or to call 244-HELP for a personal escort.

Employees are asked to report any suspicious activity on campus by calling
9-911 or 911 off campus.