Public Safety deems semsester 's campus crime management 'pretty successful'
By: Lucy First
Issue date: 12/9/08 Section: News
While Public Safety will not have a complete evaluation until they review the number of incidents recorded by other departments, Public Safety Director Angie Nally said fall was "a pretty successful semester" for campus safety.
Nally most notably saw a decrease in "outside intrusion." The term encompasses theft, trespassing and damage from non-University employees or residents. Despite successfully reducing intrusion, Nally said students should maintain vigilant security of their vehicles and property since there have been some issues.
Nally said the intrusion incidents came from individuals not associated with the University entering buildings and causing damage or taking items.
Sophomore Mackenzie Knight, resident adviser for Bishop Roberts Hall floor two, said she saw an improvement in intrusion incidents from last year, when she witnessed people leaving the front doors of dorms open. "People are being smarter," she said.
Thefts have gone down with reduced trespassing, Nally said. However with the economy in a downward spiral, she said she expects theft to increase again.
Alcohol management has also been successful this semester, Nally said. The University's Public Safety activity log lists 11 campus alcohol violations leading to trips to the Putnam County Hospital this semester, compared with nine in fall 2007.
Knight said she saw fewer alcohol incidents this semester.
"Last year as a freshman I saw several people go to the hospital, and this year I haven't seen any," Knight said.
Monon Bell weekend, traditionally one of the biggest for drinking, was manageable, Nally said. Public Safety interacted with visibly intoxicated people at similar rates to past years, she said.
Students weren't always the biggest campus crime issue. Nally said guests, particularly younger alumni, caused additional problems.
"Sometimes they actually take more attention than our current students," she said.
Overall, Nally views the weekend as a success, particularly in keeping students safe on campus.
Nally most notably saw a decrease in "outside intrusion." The term encompasses theft, trespassing and damage from non-University employees or residents. Despite successfully reducing intrusion, Nally said students should maintain vigilant security of their vehicles and property since there have been some issues.
Nally said the intrusion incidents came from individuals not associated with the University entering buildings and causing damage or taking items.
Sophomore Mackenzie Knight, resident adviser for Bishop Roberts Hall floor two, said she saw an improvement in intrusion incidents from last year, when she witnessed people leaving the front doors of dorms open. "People are being smarter," she said.
Thefts have gone down with reduced trespassing, Nally said. However with the economy in a downward spiral, she said she expects theft to increase again.
Alcohol management has also been successful this semester, Nally said. The University's Public Safety activity log lists 11 campus alcohol violations leading to trips to the Putnam County Hospital this semester, compared with nine in fall 2007.
Knight said she saw fewer alcohol incidents this semester.
"Last year as a freshman I saw several people go to the hospital, and this year I haven't seen any," Knight said.
Monon Bell weekend, traditionally one of the biggest for drinking, was manageable, Nally said. Public Safety interacted with visibly intoxicated people at similar rates to past years, she said.
Students weren't always the biggest campus crime issue. Nally said guests, particularly younger alumni, caused additional problems.
"Sometimes they actually take more attention than our current students," she said.
Overall, Nally views the weekend as a success, particularly in keeping students safe on campus.
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