COLUMBIA – The University of Missouri Police Department saw a decline in most crimes in 2022, including alcohol arrests and alcohol referrals. That’s according to the newly released 2023 Annual Fire Safety and Security Report.
Each year, MU publishes the safety and security report, which covers the previous calendar year and contains valuable information about safety measures and crime statistics at Mizzou. Statistics for the report are gathered from MUPD, Office of Institutional Equity, Residential Life, Office of Accountability and Support, and information provided by campus security authorities. The report is released in compliance with provisions of the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.
The annual report contains three years of crime statistics related to incidents that occurred on the MU campus, in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by MU, and on public property immediately adjacent to campus. The report includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those regarding sexual assault, alcohol and drugs.
Other crimes that dropped last year are sexual assaults, stalking and domestic violence.
MUPD Chief Brian Weimer said it is imperative that everyone works together to solve challenges facing the campus community.
“A safe campus can only be achieved through the cooperation of everyone in our community,” he said. “Through educational programs and accessible resources, MU is working hard to make sure everyone has a positive campus experience.”
While individuals can do everything correctly and still be the victim of a crime, MUPD has posted several tips, covering various safety topics to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of a crime that can be reviewed at: https://mupolice.missouri.edu/safety-training/safetytips/.
The MU Police Department offers the following general safety tips:
- Use the buddy system to keep an eye on friends and make sure everyone returns home safely.
- Have a companion or a safe means of getting home, i.e., a trusted friend or taxi, if available. The MU Police Department is available to provide safety escorts on campus 24 hours a day. Call 573-882-7201. These escorts are not vehicle escorts and are provided by an unarmed Security Officer who will walk with individuals to their destinations.
- Consider taking a self-defense class through MUPD.
- There are a number of organizations that offer survivors assistance and resources at: https://mupolice.missouri.edu/services/vrights/.
- Other crime prevention tips can be found on the MUPD website.
- If you carry mace or other personal protection devices, make sure that you have used them before and can use them quickly under stress. Make sure they are readily available and not buried in a purse or pocket.
MUPD is the primary law enforcement agency for the University of Missouri. The agency currently is authorized to have 50 commissioned officers, eight security officers, 14 dispatchers, two administrative staff and five to 15 seasonally-dependent, part-time campus safety officers. MUPD is an internationally accredited law enforcement organization with the Commission on Law Enforcement Accreditation and the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators. On a typical day, nearly 45,000 faculty, staff, students and visitors are on the MU campus.