Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ was compiled in an effort to provide quick informational answers to frequent questions only. This is not meant to replace the instructions or information given by any official of Indiana University or Law Enforcement Official.

Why was I stopped by the Police?

Some of the common reasons that people are stopped by police include:

You may have committed a traffic offense.
You may fit the description of someone whom the police are seeking.
The officer may think you are in trouble and in need of help.
You may have witnessed a crime and the police may seek your assistance in identifying a person involved.

If you are stopped by the police, you should make every effort to be cooperative, and you can expect the officer to be courteous in return.

Our officers know that most people do not want to be stopped by the police, and they understand that you may feel some degree of anxiety if you are stopped. Keep in mind however, the officer who stops you may be feeling a high level of anxiety too. Because even seemingly “routine” traffic stops can be dangerous situations for officers, the police are trained to approach them with extreme caution.

For additional information, please refer to the Department of Transportation's Publication, " The Traffic Stop & You".

What should I do if I am stopped by IUPD?

If you are stopped remember:

Stay in your car unless the officer advises you otherwise.
Keep your hands on the steering wheel so the officer can see them.
Try to stay calm. Getting agitated with the officer or with others will not help the situation.
Avoid making sudden movements especially toward the floor, rear seat or passenger side of the vehicle.
Do not reach for your license or other documents until the officer requests them. (Indiana law requires drivers to show their license, registration, and insurance card upon request)
If the stop occurs at night, put on your dome/interior lights so the officer can easily see that all is in order.
If the officer issues you a ticket for reasons that are unclear to you, ask the officer for information, but don't become argumentative or antagonistic. Accepting a traffic ticket is not an admission of guilt. You can contest the ticket in court.
Patrol cars are often staffed by only one officer. However, given the inherent dangers of traffic stops, officers almost always have backups when stopping a vehicle. Therefore you might see two or three police vehicles involved in a traffic stop.
Some offenses prohibit continued operation of the vehicle by the driver. Therefore, in certain situations, an officer may impound a car or ask another licensed driver to drive the car. Officers may not, however, take your car without due cause.
Remember that students are required to cooperate with the valid directives of University officials, including University police officers. Failure to do so may result in judicial charges (see Rules of Student Conduct ). In addition Indiana State law forbids a person to use physical force to resist an arrest, even if the arrest is later found to be unauthorized.

For additional information, please refer to the Department of Transportation's Publication, " The Traffic Stop & You".

What resources are available for victims of sexual assault?

There are many resources available to victims of sexual assault in the University community. Please refer to the Commission on Personal Safety's publication, "University and Community Services for Victims of Sexual Assault".

Where can I get more information regarding suspicious mail?

Here.

How much does a traffic ticket cost?

It depends on the violation. Please refer to the fine schedule published by the Monroe County Clerk's Office for further information. The fine schedule (current as of July 2002) is reproduced here as a courtesy . You should contact the the Monroe County Clerk's Office for the definitive answer, (812) 349-2602.

How do I contest a traffic ticket?

The Monroe County Clerk's Office handles all traffic citations and their scheduling. Please contact them for any information regarding the appeals process. The second page of the fine schedule provides some information. The fine schedule (current as of July 2002) is reproduced here as a courtesy. You should contact the the Monroe County Clerk's Office for the definitive answer, (812) 349-2602.

Where do I pay a traffic ticket?

Traffic fines can be paid at the Monroe County Clerk's Office in the Justice Building at 301 North College Ave.

How can I appeal an IU Parking Ticket and find information?

Information on ticket appeals and IU parking rules and regulations can be found at http://www.parking.indiana.edu/

I've been receiving harassing and obscene telephone calls . What should I do?

Please refer to the Harassing Telephone Calls Online Brochure for more information.

Where do IU Police Officers have jurisdiction to make arrests?

IU Police Officers have jurisdiction on any real property owned or occupied by the University or on any streets through or adjacent thereto. The Department also shares concurrent jurisdiction anywhere in Monroe County through an agreement with the Sheriff of Monroe County ( IC 20-12-3.5-2 ).

How can I get a copy of a traffic accident report or incident report?

You can obtain copies of traffic accident reports of incident reports by visiting our Department between the hours of 8AM and 5PM, Monday through Friday. We are located at 801 North Jordan Ave, Bloomington, IN 47405. There is a nominal charge for copies of traffic accident reports and incident reports.

What is the IU Police Academy and how do I get admitted to it?

Generally, only Cadets that have served the department for a period of one year are eligible to be admitted to the IU Police Academy .

What is the Cadet/Officer program?

The IU Police Department has developed a comprehensive and unique law enforcement training program which, when coupled with the University's educational programs, produces a highly qualified, experienced, and educated law enforcement professional. The cadet officer program allows full-time Indiana University students to work in a law enforcement agency while pursuing a degree. In addition to gaining law enforcement experience, the student receives accreditation as a state certified law enforcement officer. For more information go to: IU Police Academy

I need to be fingerprinted for a job, will the IU police department do this?

Yes, the IU Police Department does provide this service and it is provided free of charge .

During the IU Academic year - You can be fingerprinted on Fridays between 9 a.m.and -5 p.m.
During the IU Summer Sessions - You can be fingerprinted on Fridays between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

What are the traffic patterns during football and basketball games?

Clearly, the roads around the athletic stadiums were not designed to accommodate the large influx of motor vehicles experienced within the period preceding and following large athletic events. The traffic patterns currently being used have been found to maximize the movement of traffic. Following are a few tips that can lessen the frustration experienced by the traffic patterns: arrive early and avoid the traffic, know exactly where you plan to park ahead of time, car pool, follow the directions given by any Police Officer directing traffic, and be patient. For more information visit the IU Athletics website or call the IU Athletics Ticket Office at (800) 447-GOIU or (800) 855-4006.

Can I lessen the chance of my bicycle being stolen?

Yes, please refer to Bicycle Theft Prevention Online Brochure for more information.

What is a misdemeanor citation for an alcohol or drug related offense?

A misdemeanor citation is an arrest. Although you are not placed into custody and transported to the jail, you are still required to attend the court date listed on the citation to answer to the charges stated on the citation. Failure to appear at the court could result in a warrant being issued for your arrest. Visit the Student Legal Services website for more information on misdemeanors and other legal questions.

Is alcohol allowed in the dormitories?

As a general rule, alcohol is not allowed in the dormitories. Several floors across campus do allow alcohol to be kept in the rooms of residents over the age of 21. For more information visit the Division of Residential Programs and Services website.

Is alcohol allowed at the Football games?

Alcohol is not allowed at any of the Athletic venues of Indiana University.

here is the jail and how can I get a friend out?

All persons arrested by the IU Police Department are transported to the Monroe County Jail, 301 North College Ave. Access to the jail is on the West side of the building. Please contact the Monroe County Sheriff's Department for information on the release of any persons from the jail.

Where are towed vehicles taken and how do I get it back?

Please call the IU Police Department at 855-4111 and advise the dispatcher of your name and vehicle description. The dispatcher will be able to tell you the location of your vehicle and what will be needed to get your vehicle released.

Are firearms allowed on campus?

Firearms are not allowed on campus unless you have received written permission from the Chief of Police. Firearms may be transported to the IMU Firing Range for use at the range. Violation of this University Policy will result in application of any relevant criminal penalties as well as University sanctions up to expulsion.

Why is skateboarding not allowed on campus?

Skateboarding is not allowed on campus due to the damage frequently caused as skateboarders perform "tricks" on the permanent fixtures of the campus including but not limited to steps, planters, handrails, and retaining walls.

If I get caught skateboarding on campus, what will happen?

If you are caught skateboarding on campus in a manner consistent with the high probability of damage being incurred upon the permanent fixtures of the university, you will formally be advised of the policy and then advised of Trespass. If you are caught skateboarding in the above proscribed manner again, after having been advised of Trespass, you could be arrested for Trespass ( IC 35-43-2-2 ).

Can I get in trouble for just being in a room where people are doing drugs?

Although all circumstances are different, you can and often times will be arrested if you knowingly or intentionally visit a building, structure, vehicle, or other place that is used by any person to unlawfully use a controlled substance ( IC 35-48-4-13 ).

How can I make a complaint against an Officer?

All formal complaints against an Officer of the Indiana University Police Department must be made in person. The Shift Sergeant on duty will meet with you and explain the procedures and instruct you on filling out the necessary forms. After the necessary forms are completed and signed, the Officer will be given an opportunity to provide a written response to the allegations. Supervisory personnel will then review the allegations and the written response by the Officer then recommend any appropriate actions that should be taken.

Who is authorized to release information concerning investigations by the IU Police Department?

Capt. Jerry Minger is the Department's Public Information Officer. Captain Minger is responsible for releasing all information to the media concerning Departmental affairs. He can be contacted at (812) 855-4296.

There is a Duty Shift Commander working at all times and they can also release blotter/summary information on incidents which the IUPD has responded. Call (812)-855-4111.