Lipscomb maintains a good reputation for being a safe environment with a low crime rate.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s 2014 crime on campus report show this to be the case, with the number of reported burglaries and thefts decreasing compared to previous years.
In 2014, there were 13 reported larcenies/thefts, while in 2013, there were 52 and in 2012, there were 29.
Assistant Director of Campus Security Patrick Cameron said Lipscomb is much different than other schools in the area when it comes to crime.
“Lipscomb is truly blessed in regards to crime and is significantly lower than most schools in Tennessee,” Cameron said. “Also, the incidents we do have are property-related crimes instead of violent crimes.”
But the type of crime that was reported this year can be prevented.
Cameron said students can help prevent property crimes by marking their property so it is easily identifiable, never leaving valuables unattended and keeping their doors locked in the dorm when they leave or are sleeping.
“Although I do not think Lipscomb Students have anything to worry about in terms of crime, I do think students, including myself, need to be more aware of how we secure our property, because even in a place as safe as Lipscomb there are people who will do bad things,” freshman Alec McDowell said.
The report stated that incidents of burglary decreased by 34.1 percent from 2013 to 2014.
The report also showed that crime reported by Tennessee colleges and universities overall decreased by 6.3 percent from 2013 to 2014, but reported fraud offenses increased 19 percent over the 2013 study. However, the reported incidents of rape increased from 26 in 2013 to 46 in 2014.
Lipscomb had no reported incidents of rape and only one instance of assault in 2014.
Despite this, Cameron said students should still take precautions when on campus or in surrounding areas.
“When running or walking, try to go in pairs or groups,” Cameron said. “Try to go in daylight hours. Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure that if you use headphones that the volume is at a low enough level that you can still hear. Travel well-lit, familiar paths.”
Campus security has 22 call boxes and towers scattered around campus, and these can be used if someone becomes frightened or worried when walking around campus at night or even during the day.
The security dispatch office is located in the basement of Beaman Library, and the department’s administrative offices are located in the lower level of Elam Hall.
The security office can be contacted at 615-966-7600.
Photo courtesy of Lipscomb University