The issue of personal safety at The University of Memphis is a topic of discussion and often a focal point for news media and prospective students.
When a crime occurs on or near campus, it gets extra attention. But is that extra attention truly deserved?
“As a whole, crime is down 21 percent in 2002 compared to 2001,” Nikki Acerra, crime prevention coordinator for Police Services. She also said last year, The U of M was considered the safest campus in an urban environment in Tennessee.
Amanda Montgomery, freshman psychology major, said she believes sexual harassment is the most widespread crime committed at The U of M.
However, crimes reported by Police Services do not reflect this assumption.
Crime statistics indicate larceny and theft are the most prevalent crimes on Tennessee campuses, including The U of M’s.
These are crimes of opportunity that could have been prevented if the victim had exercised simple precautions.
In addition, crime statistics reflect only reported crimes. It is often unclear whether crime is increasing or more people are reporting crimes.
A 1982 study by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Statistical Analysis Center showed 18 percent of victims always reported crimes. The same study conducted in 2002 indicated 50 percent of victims always reported crimes.
Devon Ellis, freshman biology major, expressed her concern about walking alone on campus at night.
“That’s why I’m glad they do have Tiger Patrol because I had a night class last semester,” she said. “I always walk with like four people.”
Ronnie Mesler, freshman music business major, said he believes drug use and the availability of drugs is the biggest problem on The U of M campus.
“It’s obvious this campus does have a little bit of everything as far as drugs go,” he said.
Despite these concerns, The U of M continues to be considered one of the safest schools in an urban environment in the state based on reported crimes.
The U of M has less crime per 1,000 people than most urban environments in the United States, Acerra said. She attributes this to the cooperation between the Memphis Police Department and Police Services.
By having its own full-time police department, The U of M enjoys double police protection. Both departments work in conjunction with the Memphis Central Precinct to jointly assure a safe environment.
“I’m showing the community that our officers are trying to make a difference in the area,” Acerra said.
