Alumni Story

“The STOP program was my first introduction into the world of Law Enforcement. By observing and assisting the Illinois State University Police, I became aware of the roles and duties within police agencies. The STOP program made me more adept at my skills of observation, and even provided me an opportunity to supervise other STOP members. During interviews, the information I learned through the STOP program gave me a distinct advantage over the other qualified law enforcement applicants.” --Craig F., Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent and STOP Alumni

STOP Program: Students On Patrol

STOP Application

STOP (Students on Patrol) was created in August 1990, by the Illinois State University Police Department, the former Office of Student Life, and the Department of Criminal Justice Sciences. Unfortunately STOP ceased to continue after 2001. However, during the time it existed, STOP was a valuable resource for Illinois State University. STOP members detected numerous criminal actions which resulted in criminal prosecution, as well as other safety and security problems on the campus. There is no accurate method for determining the effectiveness of the visible deterrence STOP had on crime during the hundreds of hours of logged patrol time.

STOP was not only valuable to the University as a whole, but was also beneficial to its numerous members over the years. Since its beginnings, STOP members donated their time and effort to make the campus safer for everyone. STOP provided its members with valuable life experience. Many former STOP members continued on to become police officers for municipal, state, and federal agencies. Others used their time in STOP as real world volunteer experience on resumes, increasing their marketability in a competitive job field.

With the increased interest in safety, and with a commitment by student leaders, there is now a renewed effort to bring STOP back to the Illinois State University campus. Once again, STOP will be the “eyes and ears” of campus, dedicated to protecting life and property.