UNIVERSITY WILL ANNOUNCE RESULTS OF FILM CONFISCATION INVESTIGATION

The University plans to announce the results of an investigation into
the Sept. 14 seizure of photojournalism student Matthew Bowie's film,
officials said.

In an interview with the Daily Egyptian last week, Executive Director
Cathy Hagler said she was still unable to comment about the specifics
of the incidents, but when the investigation is complete, the
University will announce the results. She did not know, however, when
the investigation will be completed.

Bowie, a junior from Kildeer, was riding his bicycle past an
afternoon arrest outside Quigley Hall when he stopped to take
photographs. An undercover campus officer on loan to a local drug
enforcement agency demanded Bowie give him his film or suffer
suspension from school and arrest, Bowie said.

The officer later approached Bowie at home to apologize and explain
his actions. The man, who loudly identified himself as police during
the arrest, feared Bowie's pictures would compromise his undercover
work and put him and his family in danger, Bowie said.

In October, the University announced the Illinois Office of the
Inspector General would look into the incident because administrators
wanted to insure an impartial investigation. Bowie was interviewed by
investigators but said he was not given a time frame for when the
investigation would be completed.

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects against
illegal search and seizure, and without probable cause or a warrant,
authorities cannot seize property.

Bowie said he would be upset if the officer lost his job, and all he
wants is an apology from the administration.

Photojournalism professor James Kelly requested a statement on the
University's policy on property confiscation, and when he did not
receive one, he sought help from the Illinois Press Association. The
group told Kelly it did not appear the University was trying to cover
up the situation, Kelly said.

Since the incident, there has been much public support for Bowie. The
Undergraduate Student Government passed a resolution supporting him,
and a student demanded information on the incident at a City Council
meeting in October.

Bowie plans to thank student government for their involvement at the
group's Wednesday meeting.