Community Engagement Unit

CEU with Sage Illinois State University Police's Community Engagement Unit began in 2019 with a primary focus to engage and educate the campus community. Consisting of one sergeant, two officers, and Pawfficer Sage, this unit is available to deliver a variety of free programs.

Pawfficer Sage

Pawfficer Sage is the department’s Outreach K9. After completing over 1200 hours of training with SIT Service Dogs in Ava, Illinois, Sage arrived at Illinois State in the summer of 2019 thanks to a successful Hatch fundraising campaign. When she's not snuggling a blanket in the Deputy Chief's office or chasing a ball down the hallway to the squad room, Sage is roaming with our Community Engagement Unit building relationships. Her only talent is affection; Pawfficer Sage does not detect any substances nor does she work in apprehension.

Thanks to the immense generosity of an alumna and of our community, Birds Give Back 2021 funded the Susan, Darrell, Sadie, and Samantha Cameron Community Engagement Endowment. This endowment ensures that Illinois State University will always have an outreach K9 on staff, much to the benefit of our student body.

Give to the Cameron Community Engagement Endowment

Programs Offered

Request a Program

Bird Watch

30 Minutes

This presentation addresses topics such as crime reporting, dealing with hostile people and other threats, and being a good Redbird. Participants will also learn about the various campus safety measures and initiatives that are currently in place.
Campus Violence: Prevention & Preparation

60 Minutes

This presentation starts with a discussion of ISU's active aggressor initiative, Run-Hide-Fight. Additionally, participants will learn more about threats and active aggressors. This training cumulates with a hands-on activity where participants will have the opportunity to practice what they learned.
Cyber & Electronic Safety

45 Minutes

This presentation focuses on cellphone safety, social media safety, and email phishing scams. Attendees will learn how to protect their devices and how to avoid becoming a victim of theft, scams, blackmail, and other crimes.
Drugs of Abuse & Misuse

30 Minutes

This presentation teaches participants about the various illegal drugs and the typical side effects and dangers of using them.
Emergency Response Unit & Crisis Negotiation Team

60 Minutes

This presentation is a look at two of the most exciting units in law enforcement: The Emergency Response Unit (commonly known as SWAT), and the Crisis Negotiation Team. You will learn about the training required to be a member of these units, what each member does in their respective unit, the equipment used, and the types of calls each unit handles.
Illinois Cannabis Laws & DUI Procedures

60-90 Minutes

In this presentation, attendees will learn about Illinois Cannabis Laws, medical cannabis, transportation of cannabis, and cannabis production. We will also cover Cannabis DUI, including a suspect’s rights and the penalties for such violations.
Lights in the Mirror

60 Minutes

This presentation teaches participants what to expect in the event you get pulled over in a traffic stop. We will cover general rules, your rights, the officer’s rights and expectations, and officer discretion.
Verbal Judo

1, 2, or 4 Hours

Verbal Judo is a verbal de-escalation tactic useful to those in law enforcement and other professions in which clear and calm communication is necessary. This course teaches communication techniques that can reduce conflict while achieving professional goals.

Community Engagement Unit

Programs Offered

Bird Watch

Campus Violence: Prevention & Preparation

Cyber & Electronic Safety

Drugs of Abuse & Misuse

Emergency Response Unit & Crisis Negotiation Team

Illinois Cannabis Laws & DUI Procedures

Lights in the Mirror

Verbal Judo