More students are being given referrals rather than arrests, according to the University Police’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report released Tuesday.
According to the report, the number of liquor law violation arrests dropped from 156 in 2011 to 88 in 2012. However, the number of referrals given for liquor violations increased from 197 to 260.
The number of drug law violations arrests also dropped. In 2011, the amount of arrests totaled 174, and in 2012, it was 122. The number of referrals increased from nine to 29.
In 2012, 14 forcible sex offenses were reported to University Police, compared to 11 in 2011. In 2012, three hate crimes based on race were reported, and 39 burglary offenses were reported, according to the report.
“This year, we did see a few more crimes reported, and that’s a good thing,” said UPD Chief Linda Stump. “It’s a good thing that people feel comfortable in stepping up and reporting them.”
The report was emailed to students, faculty and staff, and is also available on the police department’s website.
The report also includes campus security and fire safety policies, crime prevention tips and information on how to report a crime.
Stump said she hopes the report inspires students and faculty to take responsibility for keeping campus safe.
“I think the most important thing going forward is to take away all of the proactive educational things that we offer,” Stump said.
She said the small increase in reported crimes since last year is a positive indication of the report’s effectiveness.
The report is offered as a downloadable PDF.
“We find it very sustainable to have it in the PDF form,” Stump said, “and it makes it a little easier for people to get their information.”
UF public relations junior Alanna Massey, 20, said she would be more likely to take advantage of the report in digital form.
“Since it’s being emailed to students, I definitely think that increases their chances of looking at it,” Massey said.
She said she feels that UF’s facilities seem well-equipped in the event of a fire hazard or crime on campus.
“I think for the outside person looking in, you can very quickly see that our campus is a safe environment for everyone,” Stump said.
A version of this story ran on page 8 on 10/2/2013 under the headline "University Police give more referrals, arrest less, report says"
