ECC’s campus remains relatively safe: violent crime is minimal, but other reports are a persistent concern, especially on its main campus. 

ECC has published its 2024 Annual Security Report, offering a window into campus crime and safety measures with statistics from 2022-2024. The report, released on October 1, 2025, underscores the college’s commitment to transparency under the Jeanne Clery federal law. 

To gather their report, The ECCPD reaches out to the appropriate law enforcement agencies that have jurisdiction over the public areas or properties that they are required to report on. They also ask the Elgin police to conduct a records search for the appropriate crime reports for public areas around the main campus. ECCPD maintains the records for incidents that happen on the campus itself. At the Center for Emergency Services, they file the same request with the Kane County Sheriff’s Office. 

According to the report, under 2023 in the main campus, there was one rape report on campus, one report of robbery under the non-campus building or property category, and one report of domestic violence on campus. There was one on campus stalking reported in 2022 as well. 

In the Burlington campus, there were no cases reported for all of the categories. 

In the Hanover Park campus, there was one charge for robbery under non-campus building or property along with one domestic violence charge in 2022. 

“In the report, we see mostly zeros and not a lot of changes. This tells us that ECC has a great climate and culture which lets us know that we are doing our job right.” stated Chief Police, David Kintz. 

ECC did not report any hate crimes on any of its campuses during the years 2022-2024. Arrest and disciplinary referral data likewise remain low: from 2022-2024, there were no arrests for weapon possession, liquor, nor drugs.  

The report also describes ECC’s safety structure in that the ECC Police Department handles on-campus security during business hours, while off-hours fall under different protocols. The college also partners with the Elgin Police Department, exchanging weekly crime reports.  

“We are always watching,” said Kintz. “We work closely with the Elgin Police Department to keep ourselves updated and in the loop of what is also happening locally.”

Safety policies in the report include detailed procedures for emergency response and evacuation, with the use of RAVE mobile alerts, and guidelines for timely warnings to the campus community in the event of serious threats. ECC also emphasizes crime prevention partnerships, training for Campus Security Authorities (CSA), and encouraging community reporting of suspicious activity. 

The report goes beyond crime statistics to lay out behavioral and wellness resources. It reaffirms ECC’s strict alcohol and drug policy and describes prevention programs, counseling options, and an “amnesty” policy that protects students who report interpersonal violence. Additionally, the college offers confidential and anonymous reporting mechanisms for sexual misconduct, in line with its obligations under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). 

Campus leaders, in their forward to the report, stress that security is a shared responsibility. The ECC Police Chief encourages all students, faculty, and staff to stay alert, report incidents promptly, and use available resources, recognizing that while crime remains relatively low, vigilance helps guard against complacency. 

“I want people to feel safe and know that it is best to report things before they escalate. We are very service-oriented and will even help with mishaps like leaving your keys in your locked car, flat tires, and jump-packs for when you need it,” Kintz said. 

Still, some in the campus community question how well the numbers match lived experience. Earlier in 2024, ECC Police launched an investigation into alleged car burglaries in Lot B, where a student reported that $350 cash disappeared from their glove compartment. The student that was responsible was arrested. 

In Illinois, burglary and burglary to motor vehicles are two separate crime sections. The guidance from the Department of Education, which requires the annual security report, specifically exempts thefts from vehicles whether they are locked or not, from the category. Therefore, the burglary is not included and reflected in the annual report, according to Kintz. 

Though such incidents fall under property crime, they reflect the types of non-violent offenses that can appear most often at a college. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), burglary to motor vehicle theft was the most common crime on college campuses in 2023, accounting for 37% of all reported incidents. 

On the other hand, students and staff at ECC say they feel safe and secure on campus, noting the college’s visible police presence and consistent communication about safety resources. 

“I feel safe on campus because there is always staff, students, and officers around campus. I walk around a majority of the campus and not a single spot feels unsafe or dangerous. There’s a comfortability in the school and everyone is so welcoming and understanding.” stated first year ECC student, Isaac Valle. 

As ECC looks ahead, officials say they will continue expanding preventive efforts without sacrificing the open, accessible campus environment that students value the most.