{"id":329,"date":"2009-09-09T00:50:32","date_gmt":"2009-09-09T00:50:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/claudinevainrub.com\/?p=329"},"modified":"2011-09-09T00:51:20","modified_gmt":"2011-09-09T00:51:20","slug":"preventing-crime-on-campus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/claudinevainrub.com\/es\/2009\/09\/09\/preventing-crime-on-campus\/","title":{"rendered":"Preventing Crime on Campus"},"content":{"rendered":"

Annie Le had everything going for her; a coveted education at Yale University, a fulfilling job, a beautiful life ahead of her. Her horrible death three days before her wedding, in the bathroom of a library at her Alma Mater, reminds us that although college crimes of this nature are rare, they do occur.<\/p>\r\n

Universities take many steps to ensure our safety, some have security cameras, others feature patrols by security guards and a few offer metal detectors outside popular buildings. But ultimately, your safety depends upon your own actions.<\/p>\r\n

As expressed by Kerrie Troseth, there are several common crime activities present in college campuses. Troseth explains: \u201cThe most severe crime is murder\/manslaughter. This number is usually relatively low or at zero for most campuses. Families may be concerned about this category; however, compared to most small cities and towns of similar populations, the number is usually at a lower rate. Campuses are now required to have crisis plans, including mass texting and emailing, to warn students of any potential high risk situations occurring on campus.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

Sexual offenses are also a common crime, and they are categorized in forcible and nonforcible. These types of offenses can have to do with alcohol and drugs usage, as students engage in these illegal activities and can more easily become victims.<\/p>\r\n

As explains Troseth, \u201cother campus criminal activities include robbery, theft, assaults, and arson. Incidences within these categories tend to have higher occurrences than the previously mentioned offenses. The higher offenses are usually burglary and theft. College students who leave personal items unattended, like backpacks full of electronic devices and other high priced items, are more likely to experience theft. Additionally, unlocked dorm rooms can also be a haven for burglary.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

So how do you expose yourself the least to crime on campus? How to choose a college that is safe?<\/p>\r\n

1-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Find college crime statistics when choosing schools. When seeking colleges for admissions, take the time to investigate their crime statistics by visitinghttp:\/\/ope.ed.gov\/security\/<\/a>\u00a0which reports criminal offenses for more than 4,000 institutions of higher learning in the United States.\u00a0\u00a0 You can also check out the 25 best and worst colleges when it comes to safety by visitinghttp:\/\/www.thedailybeast.com\/blogs-and-stories\/2009-09-18\/how-safe-is-your-college\/#gallery=713;page=1;item<\/a><\/p>\r\n

2-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Learn what measures the college is taking to ensure student safety. Check out school websites and ask school officers what initiatives they have placed in action to enhance student safety on campus.<\/p>\r\n

3-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Once you enroll in a college, understand what resources you have in your new school to feel and be more safe. Often times, schools offer patrols that walk single females and males back to their dorms at late hours. Campuses also count with emergency lines you can call if unsure on how to handle a situation. Sometimes the police does not respond to a call when you are uncertain to be in a danger situation. These emergency lines are answered by students and staff that will guide you in the right direction on what to do to feel safer.<\/p>\r\n

4-\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Use precaution always by following these guidelines, provided byhttp:\/\/www.ehow.com\/how_5425402_safe-college-campus.html<\/a><\/p>\r\n