Knowing the campus crime statistics of a College or University you’re considering is vital to making an informed enrollment decision.  It’s your first defense against preventing an incident against you or someone you love.

But, trying to find the crime statistics on the websites of every college you’re considering can be frustrating and time consuming.

There is an easier way to discover campus crime statistics for any college on a single website.

The Campus Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool was developed by the Office of Post-secondary Education (OPE – part of US Department of Education).

The tool is designed to provide quick customized reporting.  The information is pulled from the OPE database used to aggregate the annual information submissions from required colleges and universities.  The campus crime statistics are all in one place so you don’t have to search all over the internet.

A post-secondary institution is ‘required’ to submit specific crime statistics annually if they receive Title IV funding – those that participate in federal student loan programs.  This is a requirement of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.

The campus crime statistics found with this tool are not going to match, exactly, information reported by the FBI.  It is more inclusive.  For example, it includes statistics on ‘alleged’ crimes reported to campus security and local police departments.

Some of the statistics you can check:

• Illegal weapons possessions
• Drug arrests
• Liquor law violations
• Murder and manslaughter
• Forcible and non-forcible sex offense
• Robbery
• Aggravated assualt
• Motor vehicle theft
• And other categories…

Should you consider campus crime statistics just if you are a woman or have a daughter?  Of course not.  You or your son can be at risk too.

These crime statistics are not the only things you should consider either.  I have two sons and two daughters.  I’d like to know about the College or University’s policies regarding handling of crime.

If they receive Title IV funding, they are required to comply with the Clery Act.  So what.  They report crime and alleged crimes.  What are their disciplinary policies?  Is it immediate expulsion if accused – you’d like to know that if your son is attending.

What are their past behaviors and actions with crimes.  Have them cite some examples of specific incidents and how they handled them.  Even better, do some research online about the specific school and ask about specific situations you learn about.

What about prevention?  Tools like alert systems, support groups and training classes?  Are they an institution more focused on complying with bureaucratic requirements, or do they have a culture of safety and prevention?

Remember, campus crime statistics can only tell you so much.  Some schools might be ‘lucky’ or under-reporting.  Only by conducting your own due diligence by asking the tough questions will you know the real meaning behind the crime statistics of the College or University you’re considering.

You can access more information and The Campus Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool here.