CAMPUS CRIME DECREASES

Crime has decreased over the last three years according to crime statistics recently released by the Southern University Police Department.
According to Kevin Johnson, deputy administrator of the police department, crime has sharply decreased in many areas between 1998 and 2000.
A dramatic decrease of nearly 50 percent occurred in the area of burglary in the residence halls. In 1999, 40 burglaries were reported as compared to 16 cases reported in 2000.
Reports also show that motor vehicle theft on campus is down 40 percent over the past three years.
S.U.P.D. had no reported cases of forcible sex offenses, forcible sex offenses, and negligent manslaughter in residence halls throughout the three-year period.
“The decline of criminal activities on this campus can be attributed to the increase of officers we have patrolling the residence halls and other locations, ” said Johnson.
We also plan to continue implementing tools to help us combat crime on campus he added.
Currently S.U.P.D. has two security cameras on the Law Center and Totty Hall providing real time, 24 hours surveillance of areas on campus.
Despite decreases in many areas, arson remains a problem on campus–especially in dormitories.
According to Johnson, fire was set to a “No Smoking” sign and a trash can.
These are just minor incidents dealing with fire, but they can possibly lead to greater problems if they become out of control he said.
Under the Cleary Act, the U.S. Department of Education requires all public colleges and universities to publicly release on-campus crime statistics every three years.