NCJ Number
207257
Date Published
2004
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This report reviews the research concerning the occurrence of violent crime on college campuses.
Abstract
There is a growing perception that college campuses across the United States are encountering problems with violent crime, both on and off their campuses. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) includes four offenses in its violent crime category: (1) murder and non-negligent manslaughter; (2) forcible rape; (3) robbery; and (4) aggravated assault. Statistics compiled by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the United States Department of Education are presented that detail violent crimes on American college and university campuses for the 3-year period of 1998 through 2000. Statistics are offered for both public and private institutions, as well as 2- and 4-year institutions. After taking into account the relative population of college campuses and comparing the college campus crime rate with the overall United States crime rate it becomes clear that American college campuses are actually safe places for students to live and learn when compared with off campus. The overall United States crime rate was over twice as high as the college campus crime rate. While campuses are relatively safe places to live, the report offers a listing of warning signs that an individual may be violent. The reporting of crime on college campuses must continue to advance so that crime problems may be accurately and swiftly combated. Tables, bibliography