Prohibition of Bias-Based Policing
The University of Illinois Chicago Police Department strictly prohibits all members of the department from biased-based policing, which is the unlawful discrimination of police authority based on a common trait of a group. This includes but is not limited to race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, immigration status, disability, housing status, occupation, or language fluency.
Unless otherwise permitted by law, UIC Police Officers must base all traffic stops, investigative detentions, arrests, and searches and seizures of property on a standard of reasonable suspicion or probable cause. UIC Police Officers must follow the standard required by the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, the Illinois Constitution, applicable statutes, and/or statutes under current law.
The ramifications of improper bias in public safety can be disastrous for the department and can lead to allegations of violating the constitutional rights of the citizens we serve. It may also undermine legitimate law enforcement efforts, alienate the public, foster distrust of law enforcement, and invite media scrutiny, legislative action, and judicial intervention.
Any UIC Police Officer of the University of Illinois Chicago Police Department found to have employed biased-based policing will face severe disciplinary measures up to and including termination.