Campus security technology and university crime: a comparative investigation and analysis

Abstract

Violent crimes and property crimes at our nation's colleges and universities are alarming. Collegian studies estimate that between 25 percent to 35 percent of all college-aged women are sexually assaulted during their four years of undergraduate studies. Aggravated assaults, robberies, burglaries, theft, arson and vandalism are common problems occurring on campuses across the nation. Many college campuses in suburban and rural areas are the high crime neighborhoods in their communities. Currently, higher-education institutions are required to give students, parents, prospective students and employees annual reports on the number of serious crimes on campus. Moreover, the Campus Security Act of 1990 requires postsecondary institutions to publish and distribute an annual security report containing information about campus security policies and crime statistics. This study surveyed and compared the crime statistics and security technology among small and large campuses to ascertain if there was any association to levels of crime reported to the security technology services provided. More specifically, this study investigated the crime statistics of small and large campuses to the safety and security options available at campuses. This study reports on whether the security hardware systems available at small and large educational institutions are similar or different and whether any of the systems are integrated with another system for more thorough protection.