NCJ Number
162934
Journal
Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 26 Issue: 1 Dated: (January/February 1996) Pages: 23-26
Date Published
1996
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Officials at Jacksonville University (JU) in Florida have addressed campus safety and security issues proactively, and a cooperative venture has been initiated to improve campus security.
Abstract
In 1992, a survey administered to JU students, faculty, and staff to evaluate priorities and satisfaction indicated that campus security was an important priority. In response, JU's Director of Institutional Research and Director of Safety and Security worked together to design a qualitative study that would clarify issues and develop specific strategies to address them. Focus group research was employed with 12 undergraduate students to elicit their perspectives on campus safety and security. The group determined that campus security revolved around three basic issues (safety at night, theft of property in residence halls, and quality of security staff). The group also reported that the student population generally did not appreciate or understand recent attempts by JU to improve safety and security. Specifically, students did not feel more secure despite the recent installation of emergency telephones and a fence at the front of the campus. Interviews with security staff resulted in several recommendations that involved improved lighting and controlled campus access. A 1995 survey of student safety and security also identified specific campus crime prevention strategies, some of which have been implemented by JU. 3 references, 1 table, and 1 figure