The Department of Public Safety has been enforcing changes and taking initiatives to reduce crime on campus. Their efforts have reduced crime by nearly half since 2008.
According to the DPS website, the statistics show that from 2008 to 2010 the amount of burglaries on campus decreased from 47 to 29. In of the dorms, the number of burglaries decreased from 32 to 13.
While the liquor law violations have risen substantially, increasing by nearly 100 percent in the last three years, DPS strives every night to see it shrink.
However, crime is not the only problem DPS works on. Violence in the dorms was an issue in 2011, with two reported incidents in the First Year Center.
One fight occurred in Putnam Hall, where one of the men arrested received a rather large cut on his hand.
The three men involved in the fight were arrested and banned from the college for a year.
However, no charges were filed. There was even a possibility the men involved weren’t even from EMU to begin with, causing some grief among students, considering non-students cannot enter the dorms without an escort.
After speaking with some of the students who live in the First Year Center, there were some opposing opinions on the fights in the dorms and how it might possibly make some people nervous.
Jules Devine, a freshman, said he actually experienced more violence in high school.
“However, I do spend a lot of time in my room, so that may skew my perception,” Devine said.
He said students should resolve conflicts through communication, not violence.
“Rules and laws are in place in case you decide to use violence to solve those problems,” Devine said. “When dealing with other people, you just have to keep an open mind. Try to listen more than speak.”
Preventative actions are taken everyday on campus, according to Lt. Jeff Nesmith of DPS.
“We do foot patrols, we work with staff and students reminding them to always keep their doors locked and not leave personal property lying around,” Nesmith said. “We also do door checks, and you can find an Area Police Officer in every dorm on campus.”
Nesmith said they work to educate students and staff on how to practice safety on campus and in the dorms. Students Eyes and Ears for University Students also strives for safety on campus. SEEUS escorts students from classes to their cars or dorms at night to ensure safety and comfort.
EMU has many services in place for students to feel both safe and comfortable on campus and in their dorm rooms. If assistance is needed due to being a victim of crime or violence or if questions arise, please call DPS at 734-487-0892. Also, SEEUS is available at 734-48-SEEUS (487-3387).
