Crime rates remained mostly stable this year

As students scramble to complete their course work, Public Safety Crime Prevention Specialist Barry Weiser is busy with work of his own — compiling this year's crime statistics for the University.

"I think [the crime rates are] very similar to last year," Weiser said. "I can't say that the statistics are down — everything is pretty much across the board the same, though we may have gone up a little bit in thefts."

Weiser said the thefts primarily involved student negligence and not forced entry. "We were busy with bikes and laptops, which are the most valuable assets that are lost by students," he said, adding that students should take extra precaution with their valuable possessions.

"We were disturbed to find most students don't lock their doors," Weiser said. "Unlocking your door when you're sitting right there in your room is one thing, but thefts don't occur then. They occur at night and while you're out."

Public Safety is reporting more detailed crime statistics this year, Weiser said. Under a recently passed federal law, universities are required to report all incidents that occur on campus to provide a basis of comparison with other institutions. While Public Safety has always reported the few serious crimes that occur at the University, they are now required to report all violations — including alcohol violations — even if no disciplinary action is taken.

Alcohol violations are recorded by Public Safety and subsequently referred to the Dean of Student Life office for possible discipline. This year, 133 individuals were referred for possible discipline, Weiser noted.

He added that he believes fewer alcohol-related incidents occurred this year. "I think alcohol [incidents are] down," he said. "Last year we had a terrible September. This year it wasn't as bad."

Weiser added that the stricter penalties enacted at the beginning of this academic year may have played a role in deterring alcohol violations. "The three strikes and stiffer penalties probably helped," he said. "Maybe students are just more conscious."

The number of automobile thefts on campus may also be increasing, Weiser said. Four cars were reported stolen in 1999, and already four cars have been stolen since January 2000, he said, adding that "three of the cars this year were stolen one night and we recovered them."

Public Safety also responded to more than 40 false fire alarms at the Graduate College this semester, Weiser said. "We had the new experience of false public alarms at the grad college," he said. "We stepped up our presence and that led to an arrest of a student."

In the works

During the summer, each Public Safety vehicle will be equipped with a portable defibulator — a medical device used during cardiac arrest. Weiser said 42 Public Safety officers have been trained to use the six new defibulators, which cost the department $18,000.

"This year, we've had a couple instances when they would have been useful," he said. "When you get a call that someone's heart has stopped, you don't want to waste any time."

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Weiser said that increased communication with students will be one of Public Safety's main goal in the upcoming academic year. "I'd like to do some interaction with proctors and students," he said. "Several proctors have volunteered to talk with students this fall," he said adding that with student cooperation "we can cut down on petty thefts."