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Last updated: Sunday, March 8, 1998
Background
Campus security: How to avoid dangerous situations
Thousands of students leave their families every year to attend college. For many, it is their first time away from home and also their first experience with total independence. It is an exciting time, but a potentially dangerous one.
Statistics indicate that one of three students will be a victim of some form of campus crime. Concerned with this safety issue, Caddo Parish Sheriff Don Hathaway urged college students to exercise caution when living on campus.
New York Times Magazine recently reported that campus crimes are on the rise. American colleges and universities average at least three violent assaults a year, eight hazing or assault crimes and more than 450 property crimes.
"College campuses are extremely vulnerable to crime because of their openness," Sheriff Hathaway said. "It's difficult to keep buildings and dorm rooms locked because people are constantly coming and going. Another contributing factor is that students tend to develop a false sense of security because of the seemingly peaceful surroundings."
Campus crimes can take many forms -- theft, date rape and drugs to name just a few. It is impossible to avoid all dangers, but Sheriff Hathaway offered some suggestions on how college students can better protect themselves on a college campus.