Bradley University’s campus has a reputation of having a lot of crime happening on campus. However that is not the case, most officers only have to focus on Motor Vehicle Violations, for Bradley University’s reputation may be wrong.
Safety on Bradley’s campus
When upcoming freshman look at colleges, one of the first things they look at is safety. It does not matter if the college is in a big city or a small town.
Bradley University may have a reputation of having crime happen on campus, however that is not the case. Most crimes that happen in Peoria do not happen on Bradley’s campus, and the police forces are two different forces, one focusing on Peoria and the other focusing on just Bradley’s campus.
In addition Bradley has made many safety benefits to Bradley students over the past few years. With the safety boxes with the blue light being stationed around Bradley’s campus, and there are 71 of the boxes though out campus. These telephones poles, as the Bradley University Police calls them, call the Bradley police directly and has the location of the call so the caller can be helped quickly.
Chief Brian Joschko said, “The Bradley campus is extremely safe. Very few crimes occur on campus but safety and security is still a paramount concern for the institution.”
Bradley University has issued the “safety alerts” to notify students, teachers, and faculty about incidents that pose safety to the campus. There alerts are issued through text messages and emails, both being sent quickly. The safety alerts also provide tips of how to be safer while on campus.
Also Bradley has introduced the Hilltop Safety Cruiser last academic year, 2012/2013. The Safety Cruiser shuttles Bradley students to their desired location, free of charge. It was established for students to get around campus safer and helped bring crime rates down.
Chief Joschko also said, “We have several safety measures in place including a full time professional police department, card access system to residence halls, security cameras, Hilltop Safety Cruiser service, and more.” To further promote safety, we always encourage students, faculty, staff, and visitors to follow common safety precautions such as locking vehicles and taking advantage of the escort options especially when alone.”
However crimes does happen on Bradley’s campus, over the months January to November 2013 there were 1395 crimes happening on campus. The main crime that happens during those months was Motor Vehicle Offenses.
Vistors are recommended to learn about the safety precautions that Bradley holds, for example only certain students can get into specific dorms for safety reasons, and not to allow unknown people into the buildings. Students are recommended not to walk alone, but to have a friend or escort accompany them.
Chief Joschko said, ” To further promote safety, we always encourage students, faculty, staff, and visitors to follow common safety precautions such as locking vehicles and taking advantage of the escort options especially when alone.”
Crime happening January 2013-November 2013
Month Crimes committed
November 2013 121
October 2013 130
September 2013 191
August 2013 129
July 2013 93
June 2013 80
May 2013 139
April 2013 129
March 2013 119
February 2013 154
January 2013 110
The graph shows the total crimes committed in a month, starting in January and ending in November of 2013.
Crime Log provided from Bradley Police
Crimes that occurred in November 2013
Google Map of crimes committed in November 2013 on Bradley University’s campus.
During the month of November 2013, there were 121 incidents on Bradley’s campus. This Google Map shows the locations, type of crime committed, and time of these incidents.
Key of crimes and colors associated
Motor Vehicle Offense Original Color Red
Substance Act Violation Dark Blue
Disorderly Conduct Maroon
Assault Dark Grey
Theft ($500 and under) Light Grey
Hit and Run Orange
Informational Yellow
Sick Cared For Brown
Services to Other Agencies Indigo
Interference with Public Officers Pale Yellow
Credit/Debit Fraud Pale Pink
Criminal Trepass to Land Pale Green
Liquor Control Act Violation Purple
Criminal Damage to Property Pale Blue
Cannabis Control Act Violation Green
Fire Alarm Lavender
Theft (Over $500) Pale Orange
Battery Sky Blue
City Ordinance Violation White
Found Property Mint Green
Motor Vehicle Accident Pale Lime Green
Students “sketch” out Bradley’s campus
Bradley University students express their feelings and thoughts about safety of Bradley’s campus.