The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, rated among the safest campuses in the country in 1999 by Crimes Against Persons Index Inc., continues to be a safe place to go to school, according to last year�s campus crime and security report compiled by UWSP�s Chief of Security and Police.

One of the most positive findings of Chief Don Burling and his officers was the absence of reported "hate offenses" (based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disability or ethnicity) anywhere in the city of Stevens Point.

Good news on campus included no murders, manslaughters, robberies or motor vehicle thefts reported on university grounds. Incidents that were reported to protective services included one sex offense, one aggravated assault, one burglary and three arsons. Minor property damage and an attempted burglary were reported at Schmeeckle Reserve. Burling says the overall number of crimes has been decreasing on campus for the past eight years.

Also, no crimes were reported at UWSP�s satellite locations, Central Wisconsin Environmental Station near Amherst Junction and Treehaven Field Station near Tomahawk.

"Our annual report confirms what we already know about UWSP and its environs. Central Wisconsin is a safe area of the state for students to live and UWSP is a good place to attend school. However, the university continues to be vigilant and to cooperate with local law enforcement officials to help keep the campus and city safe," said Chancellor Tom George.

On public property surrounding the campus, last year�s crime statistics were slightly higher with five sex offenses, one aggravated assault, four burglaries and one motor vehicle theft. For the entire city, as would be expected, numbers in most categories were higher.

Liquor law violations continue to cause the highest number of arrests both on- and off-campus (13 on-campus, 81 adjacent to campus and 811 in the city). In regard to this issue, UW System continues to stress responsible alcohol use including a recent recommendation by the regents to employ strong measures to prevent binge drinking on campuses. UWSP has employed an alcohol educator for several years and continues to sponsor programs on drinking responsibly.

In its efforts to improve and upgrade campus safety during the past few years, UWSP has installed 20 Code Blue emergency phones around campus, initiated residence hall and orientation programs focusing on personal safety and protection of property, and improved overall campus lighting for better safety at night.

UWSP�s Student Patrol Program was begun in 1989 to monitor campus grounds. The patrol also operates the student transit van that provides rides to within five miles of campus. The van operates Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. In addition, students are encouraged to use the crime tip hotline at 346-4636.

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