As we commence a new school year with the establishment of a University Police Department, Director of Public Safety and Chief Police David Tedjeske issued the 2016 Annual Security and Fire Safety Reporting via email in accordance with the Higher Education Act and the Pennsylvania Crime Reporting Act. The brochure contains crime and fire safety statistics from 2013 to 2015, security policies, emergency procedures and other resources.

The Crime Statistics for 2013-2015 provide statistics for incidents such as murder, rape, dating violence, burglary, liquor and drug arrests and referrals, amongst others and complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. The data examines crime through five different categories: On-Campus (including residential), On-Campus Residential, Non-Campus, Public Property and Unfounded. Out of the 20 crimes listed, three crimes rose in reports from 2013 to 2015. Fondling cases increased from one to two. Dating Violence increased from one to seven. Drug Law Arrests rose from six to 10.

The remaining data from 2013 to 2015 either had zero crimes (Murder and Nonnegligent Manslaughter, Negligent Manslaughter, Incest, Statutory Rape and Weapons Possession Arrests) or decreased within the timeframe. Reported rape cases decreased from seven cases in 2013 to three cases in 2015. Reported stalking cases decreased from 35 to 12. Liquor Law Referrals decreased from 802 cases to 532 cases. The Department reported zero hate crimes in 2013, 2014 and 2015.

In accordance with the Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Reporting Act, the University also released “crime statistics and rates to matriculated students and employees, and upon request, to new employees and applicants for admission.”

These statistics combine Part I Offenses, such as murder, rape, robbery, theft and arson with Part II Offenses, such as forgery and counterfeiting, fraud and embezzlement, vandalism, prostitution, narcotics, gambling, drunkenness and more. In comparison to 2013’s grand total of 734 crimes, 2015’s grand total amounted to 510. Examining the trends between 2013 and 2015, there were increases in six crime categories: fraud and embezzlement, weapons, prostitution, narcotics, disorderly conduct and a category called “all others.” 

The remaining offenses either remained the same or decreased within the timeframe. For example, vandalism reduced from 100 reports in 2013 to 49 reports in 2015. Additionally, theft decreased by 72 cases from 2013 to 2015.

The University also took the necessary steps to prevent fires and saw a decrease in the amount of fire related incidents. All of the dorms are equipped with fire extinguishers, smoke and heat detectors, sprinkler systems, emergency lighting and exits. There is also a list of things students are not permitted to have in their dorms such as candles, open flames and more. Additionally, the University conducts fire drills to make sure the students are aware of what to do if a building needs to be evacuated because of a fire.

The University saw the total number of fires in dorms go from eight to two between the years of 2013-2015. Most of these fires being unintentional electrical fires. It is also important to note that the University conducts at least three to four fire drills in each building each year, even though the number of incidents have increased significantly. 

The University has adopted a missing student notification policy. According to the Department, “students can register confidential contact information for a person to be notified by the University in the event the student is officially reported as mission by filling out an online form at any point throughout the year.” 

With regards to child abuse reporting and minors on campus, the University adopted a Child Abuse Reporting Policy, “applicable to all employees who, in their course of their employment, come into contact with children,” and a policy concerning Minors in University Programs, “which outlines various protocols designed to protect the safety and well-being of minors participating in University programs.”

According to Tedjeske’s opening letter in the report, the University’s Department of Public Safety has been awarded accreditation by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Agencies and remains the only accredited department in Pennsylvania. The University must now comply with IACLEA’s 235 professional standards.

Approximately 50 Officers, including Police Officers and non-sworn Public Safety Officers make up the current Department.  Within the coming year, the Department will increase the number of Police Officers to 19. These University Police Officers have complete arrest powers and will carry firearms.