Campus safety concerns can now be answered with one practical solution.
The Department of Public Safety and Security has released its annual security and fire safety report to help students, parents and faculty access safety information on demand.
"I think it offers them a wealth of information and gives the resources for students to succeed in any situation that arises in regards to public safety," said Melvin Owens, executive director of public safety and security.
Ten burglaries were reported in Auburn University residence halls in 2010, eight fewer than in 2008.
Drug law arrests on campus have increased from five incidents in 2008 to 18 in 2010.
Liquor law incidents ending in disciplinary actions have risen from seven incidents in 2008 to 159 in 2010.
Owens said students should take advantage of the guide.
"It's an opportunity for the University to make students aware of programs, policies and procedures," Owens said. "Secondly, it's a mandate for the Department of Education."
Owens said the guide details safety services offered by Auburn and useful information students can use in a practical format.
The guide, accessible at www.auburn.edu/administration/public_safety, offers numerous topics of discussion including phone numbers to various campus services and security authorities, emergency guidelines, the City of Auburn public safety information and advice on crime prevention.
Chance Corbett, associate director for emergency management, explained how the guide is being used as a convenient tool.
"For students and parents, you get to see a snapshot of what was reported on campus," Corbett said. "We pride ourself in having a safe campus."
The guide is in response to a mandate put forth by the Jeanne Clery Act, a federal law requiring colleges and universities to disclose certain timely and annual information about campus crime and security policies, according to www.securityoncampus.org.
Originally known as the Campus Security Act, the current act was named after Jeanne Ann Clery, a 19-year-old college freshman who was raped and killed in her residence hall on April 5, 1986.
The parents of Clery were unaware of 38 violent crimes on their daughter's campus at the time, bringing about the current act which passed in 1990.
A portion of the guide includes criminal offense statistics for the prior year, as mandated by the act.
Other sections include lifestyle improvement, bicycle safety and a weapons policy.
The Rape Aggression Defense program is also an important focal point of the guide.
RAD demonstrations help women to prepare themselves for times of assault.
Corbett also mentioned the department is always trying to improve the guide to further benefit students.
"It leaves no doubt," Corbett said. "We show you what we are improving on and welcome feedback and put it in place whenever we can."
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