| College is supposed to be one of the best times in a person’s life. With so much to learn and experience, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun and excitement. But what about safety? Though they might seem self-contained and cozy, college campuses aren’t isolated from crime.
Know the facts about college safety:
* Rape is the most common violent crime on US campuses.
* College students are victims of identity theft more often than other groups.
* More college students are stalked than other groups.
Why is there so much crime on college campuses? When a bunch of young adults from all walks of life are thrown together, almost anything could happen.
Campus Safety…You Can Never Get Enough Information
During college tour guides are probably not your best source of information; they do not usually have extensive statistics or information on campus safety. I suggest approaching students you see on the college campus who are involved in their normal routine and asking them about their perceptions of campus safety. While it is important to keep in mind that this type of unscientific “man on the street” survey should not be taken too seriously, students might provide some insight you can use. If you do this at all of the campuses you visit, you can compare the answers and get a general idea about how comfortable students are.
Also, as a parent on a tour with my son or daughter, I would stop by the campus public safety office and the city/town police department and chat with the employees and Chief of Police there. Of course, they will be putting their best foot forward, but it can be enlightening when you compare the departments at different campuses that you visit.
Now since at this time the majority of students are going through freshmen orientation with and without parents present so I strongly encourage both the parent and student to do the above and check out below for valuable information if you didn’t during your tour of campus. Even if you are a returning student……READ AND BECOME EDUCATED ABOUT YOUR SAFETY, IT’S YOUR RIGHT!
What should parents/guardians and students look for on campuses and in the student housing to ensure safety?
One key item to look for in residence halls is the access control system. That is, how are residents differentiated from non-residents when entering the buildings? Other things to look for: evidence that external doors are frequently propped open, sufficient lighting in and around the main entrance, and shrubbery and trees pruned back from first- and second-floor windows. And, request that you have the keyed entry lock to your room “re-keyed” even if it cost you $25….split it with your roommate(s) for peace of mind. You may wish to inquire about the installation of a “keyless” deadbolt as well to give all of you more safety security.
What crime statistics should parents and students request from a school before arriving on campus?
Requesting information from the college is one way to do it. The college is legally mandated to provide that information. I also suggest parents and students do their own research. The Department of Education compiles and makes available campus safety statistics by reporting criminal offenses for over 6,000 colleges and universities in the United States at the following Web site: http://ope.ed.gov/security/.
Again, it is important to keep in mind that oftentimes these types of comparisons are not apples to apples, especially when you look at data from a large urban campus with a high percentage of commuter students and compare it to campus safety data from a suburban or rural campus with a large base of resident students.
Another caveat is that a campus safety department that is doing a good job cracking down on crime on campus will report more crimes than a department that is asleep at the switch and reporting fewer crimes. Even though there are more crimes reported at the first campus, I would argue that the proactive campus safety department makes the first campus safer than the second one does.
Any student assaulted on campus must follow policy and procedures; however, ALWAYS PRESS CHARGES as well as filing a police report at the city/town police department. Never take no for answer – it is their duty to file your report and to press charges if applicable.
What preventative measures work best for students to stay safe on their college campus?
It is important to remember that colleges and universities are generally safe places. An 18- to 22-year-old is safer, statistically, on their college campus than they are off campus. Because campuses are safer, it can lead to students often letting down their guard. Therefore, the bottom line is that there is no substitute for personal vigilance when it comes to campus safety.
Personal vigilance = being prepared mentally, emotionally and physically. Learn how you can be your own best bodyguard.
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