Annual report shows overall crime decrease, twice as many drug violations

Though Hopkins saw a dramatic decrease in crime last year, the number of drug-related offenses doubled in 2008, according to the recent report released by security.

The Annual Security Report found there were 110 fewer offenses overall in 2008 than in 2007.

"We attribute this reduction to a multi-layer security approach coupled with an aggressive crime prevention program," said Edmund Skrodzki, executive director of Campus Safety and Security.

Of particular interest in the report are the dramatic changes in the number of referrals for disciplinary action.

There was a 35 percent decrease in the number of referrals for alcohol violation, from 353 referrals in 2007 down to 231 in 2008.

During the same time period, however, the number of referrals for drug violations doubled from 12 to 24.

"I think that it's very difficult to police drinking among college students," Dean of Student Life Susan Boswell said.

"My hope would be that if they're choosing to drink, they're drinking responsibly."

She acknowledged that the report does not necessarily reflect the actual amount of drinking that is occurring.

"It represents what we know about," she said.

Boswell said she felt the lower alcohol numbers were caused by an increased focus on discussing the negative effects of binge drinking with incoming freshmen last year.

"I think our goal - the most important thing from my perspective - is that students are aware of the risks they might be taking. The things that are most important are education and responsibility. And also that people are responsible for one another," she said. ?

An alcohol violation is "the possession or consumption of alcohol by a minor under the age of 21 years and/or the consuming of alcohol on a public street at any age," Skrodzki said.

He defined a drug violation as "the possession of any controlled dangerous substance as outlined under the Maryland Criminal Code."

According to Skrodzki, students can be arrested or receive a citation for alcohol or drug violations, but it is up to Student Life to determine disciplinary action.

Disciplinary action for alcohol violations can vary according to the severity of the offense. After a first offense, a student is typically written up and may be required to write an essay.

"It's an educational intervention," Boswell said, adding that "anybody is entitled to make a mistake."

However, after a second violation, a student could be put on probation, and a third violation could result in suspension.

If the first alcohol violation is deemed severe enough, however, the punishment is more drastic.

"If the first incident is very, very big, they may immediately be put on probation," Boswell said.

Other possible ramifications would include involving parents and having the student assessed by the counseling and health centers.

Drug violations are treated more seriously.

"We typically give a warning with a first violation. If we have evidence that somebody is dealing, that will typically result in suspension or expulsion," Boswell said.

She did not comment on what punishment would be given for further drug violations.

According to Skrodzki, so far only two crimes this year would be classified as violations that will be included in next year's report: "One robbery that occurred on July?19, and one stolen auto that was reported on July 29."?

The decrease in overall violations is part of a four-year trend of crime reduction.Security has "evaluated, re-configured and reduced patrol post size to optimize?coverage and officer visibility," he said.

On-campus patrols include guards from Allied Barton Security, while off-campus security is augmented by off-duty officers from Baltimore Police.

Skrodzki said that the closed circuit television system "has been a valuable tool in prevention and deterrence of criminal?activity."?

"I think it's a really safe school. I feel like there's no trouble on campus," freshman Mike D'Onofrio said.

For sophomore Jennifer Lenz, security "is always there. You always see them in their yellow uniforms."

Next week, the University will be holding a symposium on underage drinking, to be hosted by Hopkins President Ronald Daniels.

D'Onofrio felt that though the University should be promoting the reduction of drinking, it is also up to students.

"It's something that has to change on the individual level," he said.

The annual security report is published in accordance with the Clery Act, which requires universities to monitor and release information about on- and off-campus crime.