Northwestern Law Enforcement Interaction Policies and Procedures 

 The University of Northwestern – St. Paul and Northwestern Media (“Northwestern”) are committed to ensuring the safety of their students, employees, and guests while on Northwestern-owned property. Northwestern works in cooperation with first responders and law enforcement (“Law Enforcement Personnel”) who may be called to owned properties during emergencies or for investigatory or enforcement purposes. 

Northwestern is subject to all municipal, state, and federal laws governing law enforcement activities. In responding to these actions, Northwestern maintains a dual commitment: 

1. Compliance with all applicable legal obligations. 
2. Uphold the rights of Northwestern community members who may be subject to investigatory or enforcement actions. 

Meeting these commitments requires sound judgment and adherence to policy. This policy helps safeguard the community by ensuring complex decisions with meaningful legal implications are addressed through appropriate channels. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of all Northwestern community members when interacting with Law Enforcement Personnel on campus. 

The Director of Public Safety and Emergency Management (“Director of Public Safety”) serves as the organization’s lead for this Policy’s execution and administration for the St. Paul, Minnesota campus, and will coordinate with the Chief of Staff and outside counsel when responding to law enforcement inquiries. As it relates to this policy, additional worksites (e.g., Northwestern Media stations) will be administered by each site’s highest-ranking employee (e.g., station manager), who should operate in collaboration with their local authorities, the Chief of Staff, Northwestern Media home office staff, and outside counsel. 

Nothing in this Policy prohibits a community member from complying with lawful orders during an emergency or fulfilling legal requirements such as employment eligibility verification. 

Entities Covered 

All units of the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and Northwestern Media. 

Contacts 

Questions about this Policy should be directed to:
Director of Public Safety
Phone: (651) 631-5310 

Definitions 

• Community Member: Any employee or student affiliated with the University of Northwestern – St. Paul and/or Northwestern Media. 
• Law Enforcement Personnel: Any local, state, or federal law enforcement officer or official. 
• Personal Information: Any information that identifies an individual, including physical description, address, phone number, education, financial or medical history, employment history, or statements attributable to that individual. 
• Emergency: Any circumstance involving an immediate threat to life, health, or safety, including medical emergencies, active violence, fire, and hazardous material incidents. 

Emergency Situations 

If Law Enforcement Personnel indicate they are responding to an emergency: 

• Do not interfere or obstruct. 
• Comply immediately with lawful orders (e.g., move, provide directions, grant access). Failure to comply may result in arrest or create safety risks. 
• After granting access, immediately call Public Safety Dispatch at (651) 631-5310 to report the presence and location of Law Enforcement Personnel. 
• If you cannot provide access, inform the officer and either call Public Safety Dispatch or direct the officer to do so. 

Non-Emergency Situations 

If Law Enforcement Personnel request access or information for investigatory or enforcement purposes: 

• Do not provide access or information voluntarily. 
• Inform the officer that Public Safety handles all law enforcement interactions and arrange for an escort to Public Safety. 
• Call Public Safety Dispatch at (651) 631-5310 with the officer’s location and request assistance. 
• Do not attempt to verify legal documents (e.g., warrants, subpoenas). Public Safety will direct all legal documentation to the Chief of Staff and legal counsel, who will be responsible for this action. 
• Do not conceal or harbor individuals subject to an investigation. 
• Information about an incident should only be disclosed to Northwestern staff members who are directly involved in managing the event. 

Northwestern is a multi-state employer. Employees at all locations must refer law enforcement inquiries to Northwestern’s Director of Public Safety and must not provide information or documents without approval, ensuring a consistent, legally compliant response regardless of location. 

Student Records Requests 

When law enforcement requests student records: 

• Forward the request immediately to Public Safety, who will then direct the subpoena to the Chief of Staff in his role as organizational legal head. 
• Work with outside counsel to respond. 
• Ensure all responses comply with FERPA. 

Service of Process 

Public Safety may accept a warrant that is presented by law enforcement personnel and signed by a judge. Furthermore, the President and Chief of Staff, or their designees, are authorized to accept legal documents (e.g., warrants, subpoenas, release requests, cease and desist letters) on behalf of Northwestern. Community members must promptly forward any legal documents to the aforementioned administrators. 

Collection and Retention of Information 

Northwestern will: 

• Treat all students and employees equally. 
• Comply with privacy laws and maintain standards for sensitive information. 

Northwestern will not: 

• Create or maintain unnecessary lists or databases linked to personal characteristics. 
• As part of law enforcement activity, request or require disclosure of personal information unless mandated or necessary under legal obligation. 
• Discuss sensitive personal information except when legally or professionally required. 

Law Enforcement Detention or Involvement 

If a community member is detained by law enforcement officials: 

• Public Safety will notify an individual’s emergency contact when permitted. 
• Northwestern will make reasonable efforts to support academic or employment continuity. 

Employment Eligibility Verification 

Community members must comply with Form I-9 verification upon presentation of a valid Notice of Inspection, and HR will provide all requested Form I-9 documents to the authorized federal agency within the required three business days, while also notifying employees of the inspection within 72 hours when required under applicable state law. 

Public Safety Limitations 

Public Safety will not: 

• Engage in inquiries beyond their authority. 
• Assist in creating registries based on protected characteristics. 
• Provide personal information unless legally required.