Blogs:

Intruders burst into an apartment on University of Cincinnati campus even as the students were watching TV. The intent was burglary and they walked away with video games, cell phones, laptops and cash worth $4400 before fleeing into the night.

Chasing them, the students were able to catch the one who had the gun with him. In the tussle that followed, one student was injured in his leg and the burglar was put into jail on charges of felony, burglary and receiving stolen property.

The question here is how did the intruders enter the apartment in the university? After investigations, it was found that the main door latch was not functioning properly for quite a few days prior to the incident.

Even as parents are trying to cope with rising tuition costs and diminishing rates of student acceptance in universities, they are now confronted with a bigger problem of safety.  Universities are acres of serenity and idyll and lush natural beauty. However, not every beautiful ivy covered buildings are absolutely safe and secure. Statistics show that around 40,000 break in, 7000 assaults, 3700 sex offences and 48 murders occur in 6000 universities and colleges around America.

Apart from these, other mental health related problem, binge drinking and fire hazards pose great security threat to students in campuses. In spite of state-of-art video cameras and patrolling guards, safety regulations in campuses are often lax.

Many horrific shoot out incidents point out to the fact that steps have to be taken immediately to control the threats that lurk on campuses posing a risk to students. Statistics also show that more than eighty percent of crimes are committed by students.

According to Alison Kiss, Security on Campus Inc.’s director, the most dangerous period in a student’s life on campus is the first six weeks when they are exposed to dangers of acquaintance rape, hazing and alcohol abuse. However, the horrible murder of Laura Dickinson in her dorm on 15th December 2006 shows crime is not limited to the red zone.

An opportunity to study in one of the universities and colleges in America is a fantastic opportunity. It is the duty of every single institution to provide a safe and secure environment for its students.
As parents and students visit the US campuses before enrolment, it is essential asking the representatives and tour guides of the college a few safety and security related questions. It is also a good idea approaching students studying in the University for Information. They will be able to provide a better insight. Parents can also have a chat with the local police department or public safety office and find out from employees about the campus you are considering admitting your son or daughter in. 

As a parent, you can also request the college for crime rate statistics. Last but not the least, it is the student’s personal vigilance and safety measures taken that determine whether they are safe or not on their campus. A level headed approach that does not warrant any undue and risky ventures can ensure safety and security. Following college safety regulations is also very important.