UA Police Department Releases 2017 Clery Report

The report, which covers the years 2014-2016, publishes a statistical comparison of reports of criminal offenses on campus and other properties under the control of the UA.

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Reports of sexual offenses and burglaries were up at the University of Arizona in 2016 compared to the year before, according to the UA Police Department's annual Campus Safety, Security and Fire Report released Monday.

The 2017 report, which covers the years 2014-2016, publishes a statistical comparison of reports of criminal offenses on campus and other properties under the control of, or near, the University. The report also features a directory of prevention and education programs to keep campus safe.

This year's report shows sexual assault increased to 24 from 18 and burglaries increased to 44 from 33 from 2015 to 2016.

Robbery reports decreased to three in 2016, aggravated assaults dropped to seven from 11 and there were no reports of arson, down from two the year before.

The department also is required to collect data on gender and relationship violence. Reports of dating violence went to 10 from four. Reports of stalking dropped to two in 2016 from 13 in 2015. Hate crimes went to four from zero, with incidents involving racial and religious biases.

"The reports of sexual offenses are partially a reflection of more people willing to come forward. We been encouraging more people to report sexual offenses of all kinds. It’s important that they’re talking to us and getting support and help," said Chief Brian Seastone of UAPD.

Disciplinary actions for liquor law violations were up, to 763 from 457. Drug law arrests dropped to 119 from 125 and drug law violations dropped to 123 from 130.

Kendal Washington White, UA assistant vice president and dean of students, said the UA's Campus Health Service is working with students on prevention and diversion programs to reduce incidences of underage and high-risk drinking and related negative consequences.

"We are actively committed to facilitating a community where everyone can safely and constructively learn, work and play in a welcoming environment," White said. "This requires all members of the campus community to pay attention, report concerns and look out for one another."  

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

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

In accordance with U.S. Department of Education requirements, UA South, UA Phoenix and UA Main Campus are split into separate reports. There were no reportable offenses for UA Phoenix or UA South. 

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 by Oct. 1. The 2017 report can be found on the UAPD homepage (http://uapd.arizona.edu/annual-security-reports).