NCJ Number
155701
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 64 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1995) Pages: 1-5
Date Published
1995
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Recent media accounts demonstrate the extent to which crime and violence have increased on college and university campuses.
Abstract
Several unique characteristics distinguish college and university campuses from other communities: the campus population consists primarily of young adults or postadolescents; residential campuses are characterized by a predominant social life; and the open campus concept fosters criminal activity. In a survey conducted shortly after enactment of the Campus Security Act of 1990, 2,400 colleges and universities reported 30 murders. One study indicated that nearly 25 percent of 2,016 college women had been raped, while another survey revealed that 1,000 rapes were reported on college campuses during the 1991-1992 academic year. Campus crime has increased primarily due to the prevalence of alcohol and firearms. Excessive alcohol consumption influences most violent crimes, and studies indicate that the majority of college students consume alcohol. With respect to firearms, the campus simply reflects the greater problem in society where firearms are used in 60 percent of homicides, 41 percent of robberies, 23 percent of aggravated assaults, and 10 percent of rapes. The Campus Security Act of 1990 requires postsecondary institutions receiving Federal aid to report specific crime statistics annually. The act also requires these institutions to develop educational programs for safety and security and to establish policies and procedures for notifying authorities when a crime occurs. An addendum to the act requires colleges and universities to develop programs aimed at reducing sexual assault. The response of Jacksonville State University in Alabama to campus crime is described, and the need for colleges and universities to collaborate with local law enforcement agencies in crime prevention programs is stressed. 12 endnotes