Oct. 1, 2019

University of Arizona Police Department Issues Annual Campus Safety Statistics

TUCSON, Ariz. — The University of Arizona Police Department has announced the 2019 campus crime statistics, which convey details about reported personal and property crimes on campus and other property controlled by the university during the years 2016-2018. The statistics are part of the annual Campus Safety, Security and Fire Report, released today.

Overall reports of sexual offenses were down on the university's Main Campus in 2018, with rape reports down eight from 2017 to 14 and fondling up one to four. Reports of aggravated assault were 11, robbery at five, and arson at one, each up one count from 2017. Burglary had the most reports at 41, down 23 from 2017. Motor vehicle thefts more than doubled, going from 15 to 33.

Domestic violence reports dropped three to 16 and reports of dating violence increased from two to three. There were four hate crimes in 2018, with reported incidents involving racial, religious and national origin biases.

The safety and security of the campus community and visitors is the top priority for the police department, according to UAPD Chief Brian Seastone.

"We see these reports as the best way to help us address concerns and keep campus safe," Seastone said. "The best crime prevention begins with, 'If you see something, say something.'"

The LiveSafe app lets students and employees report crimes via phone or text, and alert UAPD to situations or people they think could be dangerous. They also can call Safe Ride service to get a ride home or use the app to have friends track their movements online.

Liquor, drug and weapon offenses are tracked both through arrest and disciplinary statistics. The Dean of Students Office has found diverting liquor law arrests to disciplinary and educational interventions to be more effective in helping students recognize the individual short and long-term consequences and impact on the university community. Diversion programs are only available for non-violent misdemeanor offenses.

"The diversion program is an outstanding opportunity, not just for university students, but also for the Pima County courts to lessen the workload for the court system. It's also an opportunity for students to learn about the impact of their behavior on themselves as individuals as well as the campus community," said Vice Provost of Campus Life and Dean of Students Kendal Washington White. "We want to have a safe community, and we know that misdemeanor crimes can sometimes turn into more serious crimes if there is no intervention."

Liquor law violations resulting in disciplinary actions were up from 472 in 2017 to 624 in 2018, and liquor law arrests went from 155 in 2017 to 129 in 2018. Drug arrests went from 108 to 170, and drug law disciplinary actions dropped from 102 to 64. There was one arrest for weapons law violations and no disciplinary actions.

This is the fourth year for the UAPD's Good Samaritan policy, which encourages students to call for medical help for intoxicated peers without fear of incurring criminal charges.

In accordance with U.S. Department of Education requirements, UA South, UA Phoenix and UA Main Campus are split into separate reports. There were three reports of burglary in 2018 for UA Phoenix in 2018 and no reported crimes for UA Sierra Vista, formerly known as UA South. There were no reports of relationship violence or hate crimes for either campus.

The report is a federal requirement under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, which mandates that all American universities receiving federal funds must publicize their policies covering campus law enforcement, means of reporting crimes and statistics for reports of criminal offenses. The 2019 report can be found on the UAPD website.

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Pam Scott
University Communications
520-621-1951
pscott@arizona.edu