Data from the Cornell University Police Department ‘Campus Watch’ report — which summarizes security incidents that occur around campus every year — show a slight increase in on-campus crime.
The report, released this week, includes campus crime statistics for the past three calendar years, University safety policies and resources for Cornell students on campus and in the City of Ithaca.
According to the CUPD’s statistical crime record, 25 reported incidents occurred on campus in 2015, an increase from the 21 reported in 2014. Of these 25 incidents, 20 occurred in residential facilities. Burglary was the most frequent crime, accounting for 20 of the 25 offenses.
Other on-campus crimes from 2015 include 193 referrals for liquor law violations, two reports of rape, one arrest for weapons possession and three cases of domestic violence.
The number of arrests for driving while intoxicated was inconsistent across the three years, with three, 43 and 17 arrests occurring in 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively.
The report also details safety measures specific to Cornell students, such as how to operate the Blue Light system and keep their valuables safe in residence halls.
Although next year’s report will include the death of Anthony Nazaire — who was stabbed outside of Willard Straight Hall on the morning of Aug. 28 — students have said that they generally feel safe on campus.
Kevin Kowalski ’20 agreed with this sentiment, adding that he believes 2015’s crime rates were in line with expectations for any large campus community.
“As a whole, for such a big campus, those aren’t surprising numbers,” Kowalski said. “Even the number of burglaries isn’t that high, considering how many people don’t lock their doors. I’ve never felt threatened by another student or felt unsafe in my dorm room.”
Sydney Wolfe ’20 agreed that Cornell is a generally safe environment, attributing this to campus police policies that specifically benefit college students.
“The Cornell police department can focus on issues that are unique to our campus and to Cornell students,” Wolfe said. “Their approach to matters like drinking alcohol are different than the state or Ithaca police, which I think increases our safety.”
In the report, CUPD Chief Kathy Zoner said she is “proud to lead” the Cornell Police in protecting the Cornell community and encouraged students to remain aware of campus safety issues.
“Everyone wants a positive experience at Cornell,” Zoner said in ‘Campus Watch.’ “Pledging to act sensibly, honestly and with an attitude of mutual respect and civility means that your time spent at Cornell will be productive and enjoyable.”