Although the crime statistics for 2013 have yet to be released, there are several crime trends that can be identified from the Jackson State University's Annual Safety Report, which outlines reportable crimes from 2009-2012. Overall, reported crime rates have been low over the past three years. No manslaughters have been identified by campus security since 2009, which is a strong sign of campus safety. During the reporting period, one sexual assault incident was reported and took place in 2012 in an on-campus residence hall. Robbery and aggravated assault are the sub-sections included in the annual safety report with the highest number of reported incidences. In 2010, reported incidences of robbery were low, with only four reported cases. The following year, the number of robberies increased to twenty-five and then climbed yet again in 2012 to twenty-eight reported cases. The majority of these incidences occurred on-campus, as opposed to residence halls or public property. Aggravated Assault incidences have also increased from one reported case in 2010 to thirty-nine cases in 2012 before declining again in 2012 to two incidences. The majority of the 2011 aggravated assaults took place on-campus or in the residence halls.
Overall, I feel pretty safe after looking at the crime statistics for Jackson State University. It is comforting to know that violent crimes, such as manslaughter and sexual assault are very uncommon on campus. However, the upward trend in the number of reported cases of robbery and aggravated assault is concerning. It would be interesting to further explore the causes of the increase in robberies that take place on-campus and what is being done to prevent future robberies. It would also be interesting to explore how the campus safety department was able to reduce the number of aggravated assault cases from 2011 to 2012 and to see if similar methods could be applied to reduce robberies.
Works Consulted
“Jackson State University Summary of Reported Crimes 2009-2012”. Jackson State University. Mississippi Universities, n.d. 26 Jan. 2014. http://www.jsums.edu/campuspolice/wp-content/blogs.dir/264/files/2013/11/Reported_crime2009-2012.pdf?65ac10
