In its annual Crime Awareness and Campus Security Report, DPS said that it responded to 325 reported crimes in 2005, down from 358 the year before, but still significantly more than the 271 reported in 2003.
DPS Director Darryl Harrison said that the rate of on-campus crime in 2004 was unusual, attributing the overall rise to an increase in thefts in the larger Washington, D.C., area.
“This year’s statistics are more consistent with numbers we should be seeing,” Harrison said. “Of course, we are always working to lower the numbers, but this is a credit to the students and their efforts against crime.”
Reported thefts decreased by nearly 10 percent, from 283 in 2004 to 259 last year. Five sexual assaults were reported in 2005, down from 20 the previous year.
One major statistic that did not follow the downward trend was burglary, defined by DPS as a crime involving unlawful entry of a home. DPS reported 44 burglaries in 2005, up from 39 the in 2004.
Harrison also attributed the lower crime rates to reforms DPS has made to its operations after the increase in crime in 2004.
Following 17 instances of stolen property last September and October from LXR Hall, DPS hired contracted security guards to replace student guards at Walsh and LXR. Harrison said that he believes the new guards supplied by the Securitas security company have had a significant impact on deterring thefts in student dormitories, noting that there were no incidents of burglary in LXR until the beginning of 2006.
David Morrell, vice president of university safety, said that LXR was particularly susceptible to thefts because it is outside Healy gates and allows for a quick getaway.
He added that many students in LXR and Copley were leaving their doors propped open, prompting DPS to reinforce some exterior doors with magnet locks and metal plates.
The hired security guards patrolling LXR allowed DPS to station more of its officers around Village A and Alumni Square, two especially vulnerable residence halls, Harrison said.
Officers now routinely check for unlocked doors and leave notes for students reminding them to lock them.
Harrison also said that the student guard program has been restructured, as all students are now trained on safety and guarding in one large seminar. Before, students were instructed in small groups.
Some student guards said that they have noticed changes in the program. Kaivon Abrishami (MSB ’08) said that he thinks DPS is now stricter on student guards then they have been in the past.
“DPS might be checking on us some more,” he said. “They might be a little more strict on the rules, like not having laptops at the desk.”
There have also been added DPS patrols around LXR and Reservoir Road, areas Harrison said have a greater flow of non-student traffic.
“There are individuals who specifically prey on D.C. schools,” Harrison said. “They know [students’] schedule just as well as [students] do.”
Caitlyn Faller (COL ’07), who has lived off campus for two years, said that she has seen an increase in DPS patrol off campus.
“There have definitely been more patrols going around,” she said. “I have never felt an issue with safety, but I know my roommates feel safer with the new SafeRides.”
The Student Safety Advisory Board has also taken initiatives to increase interaction between DPS and students through by educating students about their rights and responsibilities in relation to DPS.
Shannon Mullen (COL ’08), a member of SSAB, said that the group has been working with DPS to improve safety around campus.
“DPS has been very helpful in showing us where they need help and more than willing to assist us,” she said. “Everything we do is a combination of efforts [between SSAB and DPS].”
Harrison said DPS has plans to continue to enhance security on campus.
According to Harrison, DPS will expand closed circuit television and install new call boxes and alarms around campus.
