PC Annual Crime Report Reveals Fewer Drug Violations 2007-08 Than Roger Williams University

While the finalized Clery 2009 Annual Campus Crime Report shows few glaring differences in crime this past year at Providence College from years previous, the change in number of disciplinary referrals was somewhat significant. The three subjects reported in the disciplinary referral category is liquor law violations, drug-related violations (which, at PC, mostly concern marijuana and pipes), and weapon possession. There were 101 more referrals due to liquor law violations, 12 more due to drug violations, and two less due to weapon possessions in 2008 than those that occured in 2007. Maj. John Leyden, Office of Safety and Security, commented on these changes. "Not much has changed over the last three years as far as crime goes. The disciplinary referrals seem to jump up and down, but that could be due to the enforcement. For example, if the RAs enforce the rules and take their jobs seriously, you are going to have more people go to judicial meetings," said Leyden. In addition to attributing the difference in numbers to enforcement, Leyden also notes the change in the alcohol policy. "The rules have changed over the years. Last year we started to get really strict, and the year before that was a little less strict. 2008 is when the rules really changed about alcohol, such as not allowing hard liquor, shot glasses, or any associated objects. That could be attributed to the increase in 2008," said Leyden. Overall, however, there has been no drastic change. "There isn't anything that pops out and makes you question, 'Wow, what's happened here?'" said Leyden. Leyden was happy to report there were no motor vehicle thefts in 2008, and the total number of burglaries on campus was lower than in both 2006 and 2007. Statistics showed no manslaughter, non-forcible sex offenses, aggravated assaults, or hate crimes on campus in 2008. The statistics report rape-forcible sex offenses in residence facilities and one in or on non-campus buildings or property, although they only include those incidents that were reported to the Office of Safety and Security. All colleges and universities in the United States are required to compile an annual crime report with campus crime statistics. Leyden explained how PC is comparable to Roger Williams University in regard to the neighborhood in which it is located. The enrollments of the two institutions are somewhat comparable, as Providence College has 3,996 undergraduates and Roger Williams has 3,667. RWU has not posted their 2008 crime report online, yet reported nine rape-forcible sex offenses on campus in 2007. Providence College reported only three in 2007 and two in 2008. RWU had two reported aggravated assaults in 2007, whereas PC had zero in both 2007 and 2008. It is more difficult to compare the number of disciplinary referrals given the unique alcohol and drug policies of the two institutions. RWU reported 531 liquor law violations on campus in 2007, and PC reported 567 in 2007 and 668 in 2008. As for drug-related violations, RWU reported 60 in 2007, whereas PC reported 44 in 2007 and 56 in 2008. Overall, Leyden is glad that the numbers have not gone up considerably. Although he has not compiled the statistics for 2009, Leyden said that thinking back on the year casually, it seems to be about the same. "Our campus is safe, we do not have that much crime," said Leyden. Leyden sent an e-mail to the entire Providence College community informing them that the Clery 2009 Annual Campus Crime Report is complete and available on the Providence College Web site.