A Current Snapshot of Campus Crime

• In Event: Correlates of Criminal Victimization on College Campuses

Abstract

College campuses are unique institutions, but they must deal with the reality that crime occurs within their borders. Prior research has studied potential correlates of campus crime, but the college environment changes rapidly, constantly shifting the focus of campus safety concerns. This demands frequent, reoccurring research in regards to the correlates of campus crime. Using a routine activities theoretical framework, this project will study potential correlates of crime of a random sample of universities and colleges. The annual crime statistics, of the selected sample, that were reported to campus security, campus police, and/or local police will be gathered. In addition, information regarding the characteristics of each institution selected, their campus(es), their students, and their location will be collected to serve as the independent variables. Once this data is collected, regression analysis will be used to observe which selected variables are correlates of crime at higher education institutions. The data will also provide a snapshot of the current state of crime at college campuses. The study will conclude with policy recommendations and future research possibilities.

Author

• Steven Tucker Keener, Virginia Commonwealth University