GUPD releases 2023 annual safety report, says reported crime is down – The Hoya

Crime on the Georgetown University campus reduced out of 2022 to 2023according to the university’s annual security report, released September 27th.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, a public safety law that applies to all colleges and universities that receive federal aid, requires Georgetown to publish a report that provides statistics about crimes committed each year on the property of Georgetown Reported Crimes, Policies and Safeguards includes actions students should take and a review of the crime reporting process. According to the report, incidents were documented on the Hilltop campus reduced around about 20%out of 143 incidents in 2022 To 114 In 2023.

The number of reported burglaries, robberies and motor vehicle thefts on Hilltop Campus decreased 22 to 19 about the Two-year periodwhile the number of cases of rape, fondling or dating violence decreased 29 to 11.

A university spokesperson said the Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD) is responsible 24 hours Georgetown campus security services make arrangements for the safety of the Georgetown community.

“The safety of our community is our top priority,” a university spokesperson wrote to The Hoya. “If there is an increase in security incidents anywhere on campus, the Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD) will increase patrols out of an abundance of caution and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of the community. These steps may include actions such as communicating with residents of affected buildings about important updates and safety reminders or coordinating with MPD to increase patrols.”

The statistics include all incidents in which GUPD monitors the safety of on-campus events and distributes timely public safety alerts to the students logged. However, these numbers may not reflect all campus crimes as some students choose not to report incidents to GUPD.

Trevor Buettgen (MSB ’27)whose air fryer was stolen from a community room in McCarthy Hall, said he did not believe GUPD would be helpful in recovering his property and never filed a report.

“I never filed a report with GUPD because apparently there aren’t even cameras on many floors,” Buettgen told The Hoya. “There really wasn’t anything they could have done about it. So I thought it wasn’t worth the effort. I’ll try to find it myself.”

Buettgen said the crime caused him to worry about safety at the residence and the possibility of intruders.

“It seems like a camera is a pretty common thing in a dorm, especially right next to the elevators, so they know who’s coming in and out,” Buettgen said. “As far as security goes, it’s a little concerning to know that they don’t have that.”

The Clery Act also requires universities to do this Publish monthly crime logs and send timely safety alerts to students if a crime has been committed near the universityalso in the Georgetown and Burleith neighborhoods.

Savannah Baugh (CAS ’25)A student who lives in the Burleith neighborhood said she feels GUPD procedures do not adequately address the needs of off-campus students, despite Clery Act safety warnings.

“Now that I live off campus, I am definitely more cautious of my surroundings,” Baugh wrote to The Hoya. “This year I realized that there are no longer multiple levels of security to enter every building and that walking home in the dark is now much riskier.”

Annika Björk (SFS ’25)one of Baugh’s roommates, said they continued to worry about thefts in their neighborhood and had to take greater responsibility for the security of their apartment than if they lived on campus.

“My roommates and I decided to install a security system because a robbery took place next to our house,” Björk wrote to The Hoya. “We all wanted to feel a little safer when we were at home, especially at night.”

Baugh said she hopes Washington, D.C., integrates care for those lacking housing and health care into its approach to public safety.

“Ensuring that the basic needs of Washington DC residents are met would go a long way toward reducing crime rates across the city, thereby improving the overall safety of residents,” Baugh wrote.