NCJ Number
143804
Journal
Journal of Security Administration Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: (1993) Pages: 53-65
Date Published
1993
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Colleges and universities are experiencing an increase in violence and crime on campus; because a clear conceptualization of the issues involved is needed, the twin concepts of institutional and individual responsibility are offered to serve as a foundation for current and future program design and curriculum development to prevent campus crime.
Abstract
A 1988 report found that college campuses in the United States experienced more than 31 homicides, 13,000 physical assaults, 1,800 armed robberies, 22,170 burglaries, 144,717 thefts, and 600 reported rapes during the year. In responding to campus crime, three concepts seem to be prevalent in security administration: engineering, education, and enforcement. Engineering programs to increase campus security range from trimming trees and installing better campus lighting to putting alarms in dormitory rooms, providing campus escort services, and offering a wide range of prevention services. Educational programs for security staff, residence assistants, peer educators, fraternities and sororities, and freshmen are being developed at many colleges and universities or are already in place. Enforcement programs are essential, but it remains to be seen if and how the increase in crime and violence will affect actual arrests on campus. The issue of litigation is a primary reason for increased concern and action to deal with campus crime. Recent court decisions have held institutions liable when a student is victimized and have shown that institutions must warn students about crime risks and provide appropriate security protection. Clarifying institutional versus individual responsibilities can facilitate violence and crime prevention programs. Steps in developing and implementing successful campus crime prevention programs are outlined, and examples of successful approaches to dealing with crime at several universities are cited. 14 references