Campus Police Strive for Student Safety
Emma Grande
Sept 12, 2022
Illinois Central College Police Department consistently provides the highest quality service; while protecting the campus community in a fair, impartial, and ethical manner. The Campus Police need your assistance in an ongoing case.
Tuesday, August 30th, a report was sent out by the Illinois Central College Police Department (ICCPD) and Campus Housing to all residential students’ email and the Rave Guardian regarding suspicious incidents involving Henry Swartz in the residential commons on the East Peoria campus.
Erika Schwiderski, Illinois Central College (ICC) Chief of Police, said that Swartz was previously a student of ICC. Even though he did not live on campus, the ICCPD believed he had a friend residing on campus as he was spotted roaming around Campus Housing. Chief Schwiderski elucidated that several reports involving Swartz led to his prohibition from all ICC Campuses and the Campus Housing property.
Swartz is a black male, thin and just over six feet tall. Upon further research, it was discovered that Swartz has a long history of arrests ranging from trespassing to robbery beginning in 2014. Swartz has had nine other arrest records, with eight of them made by the Police Community Support Officers (PSCO).
Henry Swartz was arrested on Friday, September 2nd, due to trespassing on campus grounds after being forbidden to return. Chief Schwiderski explained that Swartz was banned because his interactions with employees and students were reported as unsettling.
“I did not think he was a violent threat,” Chief Schwiderski stated.
Not only do instructors and faculty want their students to feel like they are learning in a safe environment, but Chief Schwiderski and the ICCPD want everyone on campus to feel safe. Even if someone is not a malicious threat, it is still important to report minor behaviors where someone is a disturbance or a threat to students’ learning experience.
“It is always better to report (instances) right away rather than waiting two weeks,” Chief Schwiderski advised.
ICCPD advises students to have their number saved in their contacts or download the Rave Guardian app to text Campus Police in an emergency. Doing so will help ensure the safety of students and staff here at ICC and assist the ICCPD in future cases. If you have any information regarding Henry Swartz or other issues, please contact the ICCPD at 309-694-5111.