KRISTIN PATTERSON | staff writer
After going to see the movie Taken, in which a girl is kidnapped and sold into trafficking, my friend and I were a little bit uncomfortable about being alone in the dark.
Are we safe? How safe are we at Azusa Pacific University? How safe are we in Azusa, CA?
“I think that [APU] is relatively safe from serious harm for students,” junior social science major Grant Smith who worked for Campus Safety last year said.
In support of Smith’s opinion, APU has relatively low crime statistics considering what a densely populated area it is located in.
“Statistics show the city as being just below average in reported criminal areas. APU’s surrounding areas range from one side of the criminal spectrum to the other; therefore, we should all be cautious,” Campus Safety Lieutenant Terry Meyer said. “The negative elements in the area generally thrive on the opportunity that is presented to them. If we eliminate opportunity, the more we may limit the crime.”
In fact, APU’s crime statistics are very close to Biola University’s, despite APU being more than twice the size of Biola. APU has had significantly more incidents occur in only one area of crime: on-campus burglary.
On the other hand, when the crime statistics of Azusa and La Mirada (where Biola is located) are compared, La Mirada has more burglary and arson. In other areas, however, Azusa has more criminal incidents.
In 2008, Azusa’s crime statistics were up from 2007, but were still lower than they were in 2006.
“Assessment of criminal behavior is taken into account as it relates to the APU community and the surrounding area, depending on the economic situation,” Meyer said.
Sophomore accounting major and Campus Safety officer Chris Brown assured that Campus Safety in capable of keeping students safe.
“The department [of Campus Safety] as a whole is equipped to handle the safety issues that arise,” Brown said. “If something really crazy happened, Azusa PD is just a phone call away.”
The Azusa Police Department and Campus Safety often collaborate with each other.
“Campus Safety works well with the Azusa Police Dept. on a frequent basis,” Meyer said. “Chief Kennedy meets and communicates on a regular basis with the Command Staff from Azusa Police Department.”
Before they can work, Campus Safety officers are trained in investigations, report writing, medical response, patrol techniques, university policies and procedures and some simple arrest and control techniques. They also carry pepper spray.
Campus Safety urges students to practice safety in their daily activities.
“APU is as safe as we make it. Responsibility with our personal safety starts with personal awareness,” Meyer said. “Be aware of your surroundings; be cautious of places that may make you vulnerable to victimization; walk in groups; and use the trolley or shuttle system for commuting between campuses. Crime happens at all hours of the day. Safety is everyone’s business. It is a partnership and extension of campus safety.”
