Safety report shows campus crime statistics stagnating
October 15, 2018
The 2018 Safety and Security Information Report and Fire Safety Report was released late last month, showing that DePaul’s crime has remained nearly unchanged throughout the last few years.
The report includes statistics from both on-campus and public data, a requirement under the federal Cleary Act which mandates that the report must include “all public property, including thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks and parking facilities, that is within the campus, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus,” according to Public Safety Director Robert Wachowski.
“The intent of the report is to provide information on an annual basis,” Wachowski said. “It is a compilation of statistical information from the previous year that is made public.”
In 2015, the number of reported on-campus robberies was zero, while public robberies totaled 20. The number jumped significantly in 2016, with 48 public robberies reported and one on-
are 27 “sex offenses” listed. This is unlike the next two years, where in 2016, the report style changed to show the specific number of rape, fondling and incest instances, as well as domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.
The breakdown for the 2016 sex offense crimes was a reported 21 on- campus and four off-campus rapes, seven reported on-campus and two off-campus fondling incidents, 30 domestic violence incidents, 12 dating violence reports and 11 reports of stalking.
The year 2017 saw 15 reported on- campus and one off-campus rape, five reported on-campus fondling incidents, 22 incidences of domestic violence, four incidences of dating violence and nine stalking reports.
“I think it is a reminder to our community that sexual assault and sexual misconduct are crimes that occur everywhere and DePaul is not immune to that, but there are resources and support available to our community,” said Title IX Coordinator Jessica Landis.
The report also covered a hate crime that was based on religious discrimination campus robbery. Last year, the number of on-campus robberies rose to five while reported public robberies decreased to 39.
There were eight on- campus and 10 off-campus aggravated assaults reported in 2015, four on-campus and 12 off-campus aggravated assaults in 2016 and six on- campus and 13 off-campus reported assaults in 2017.
There has not been any major changes in the reported crimes and many crimes have stayed relatively on average, according to Public Safety, which is not as surprising considering the fact that DePaul is a large urban campus.
“The numbers have not shown a significant increase in crime,” Wachowski said.
In addition to robberies and aggravated assaults, the report also included motor vehicle thefts, liquor law violations, drug abuse and weapon referrals and arrests. The report gave a comprehensive look at the variety of crimes that occur on all of DePaul’s campuses. The highest number of reports fell under the “liquor law referrals for disciplinary action,” which included 897 in 2015, 789 in 2016 and 523 in 2017. A large majority of the liquor law violations took place at the different on-campus housing.
Sexual assaults and harassment crimes were also included in the Safety and Security Information Report. The reports did not break down the different types of sexual assaults in 2015, so there are 27 “sex offenses” listed. This is unlike the next two years, where in 2016, the report style changed to show the specific number of rape, fondling and incest instances, as well as domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.
The breakdown for the 2016 sex offense crimes was a reported 21 on- campus and four off-campus rapes, seven reported on-campus and two off-campus fondling incidents, 30 domestic violence incidents, 12 dating violence reports and 11 reports of stalking.
The year 2017 saw 15 reported on- campus and one off-campus rape, five reported on-campus fondling incidents, 22 incidences of domestic violence, four incidences of dating violence and nine stalking reports.
“I think it is a reminder to our community that sexual assault and sexual misconduct are crimes that occur everywhere and DePaul is not immune to that, but there are resources and support available to our community,” said Title IX Coordinator Jessica Landis.
The report also covered a hate crime that was based on religious discrimination.
Despite the decreasing numbers, Public Safety is still looking for ways to increase safety and keep students informed, according to Wachowski. Public Safety is currently working on incorporating an active shooter training into the Discover and Explore Chicago classes, allowing for new students to be equipped with the necessary tools should a shooter come to campus.
“It’s important to teach students early about keeping themselves safe on and off campus,” sophomore Anna Wolf said. “I wish someone had given me more tips to living a city life when I first moved here.”
It’s just so different than the suburbs.” Public Safety will also be hosting a Campus Safety Day on Tuesday, Oct. 16. Teaming up with Student Affairs and Campus Recreation, Public Safety will hold a number of workshops including emergency response training, self- defense and a panel that will educate students, faculty and staff with the resources that DePaul offers.
The crime statistics that were released are no surprise to many, as being on an urban campus exposes students to more risks. However, Wachowski says that DePaul and Public Safety are committed to creating a safe place for students, faculty and staff of the university.
“Public Safety continuously reviews its procedure and practices to ensure that we are providing a safe environment for the campus community,” Wachowski said.