On an average day more than 33,000 students, faculty, staff and visitors traverse the Iowa State campus. With so many people concentrated in such a small area, safety becomes a primary concern.

Not to worry, university officials say, the campus is safe.

Recently released statistics indicate they may be right, though crime and assaults are still no stranger to the campus.

In 1995, nine instances of motor vehicle theft were reported to the Department of Public Safety. One hundred forty-three bicycles were stolen in 1995, down from 213 in 1994, and 219 accounts of larceny were reported on campus, down from 275 in 1994.

DPS works together with the Sexual Task Force to assist in providing referrals to victims who do not wish to pursue sexual assault incidents through the criminal justice system. In 1995, four rapes were reported to DPS, while the Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Support (ACCESS) received 55 crisis calls from ISU students concerning sexual assault incidents occurring either on campus or at other locations.

Forty-three instances of simple assault were reported in 1995 along with only two instances of aggravated assault.

Iowa State students continue to keep the DPS busy with liquor law violations — 70 were reported in 1995. One hundred-four instances of operating while intoxicated and public intoxication were reported in 1995. In addition, 22 drug abuse violations were reported in 1995.

While the numbers are low considering the amount of people that visit the campus each year, ISU students are still concerned.

“I have a night class this semester and I find I’m more leery walking to my vehicle in the dark,” said Jen Holtgrew, a senior majoring in English. “There are a lot of areas along the way that could be lit better.”

Cassie Clyde, a freshman elementary education major, said she feels pretty safe on campus. “Sometimes I walk alone at night, but I feel uncomfortable near dark and heavily forested areas,” she said. “There are some places that need more lighting.”

“I generally feel safe on this campus,” said Andy Richardson, a senior majoring in English, “but I feel that perhaps I intimidate people sometimes.” Richardson said he tries to take alternate routes or cross the street so women won’t feel uncomfortable if they’re by themselves at night.

Mikey McCloud, a senior in English, also tries to give women enough room so they don’t worry about meeting him alone at night. “I go around women and make a point to keep my distance,” he said.

In 1994 DPS personnel established a vision to become one of the premiere campus law enforcement agencies in the country by the year 2000.

DPS officers remain the only Big 12 campus police who do not carry guns.

DPS employs 29 sworn officers, 3 full-time, state-certified dispatchers and about 40 student officers and support staff.