Can High Reported Crime Be A Good Sign?
Nearly 1/3 of the colleges we analyzed either did not report crime or reported no incidents of crime. Zero incidents of reported crime may be nice to see, but it does not necessarily mean the school is safer, as it could indicate lax reporting. Higher incidents of reported crime could mean the school is stricter about law enforcement and reporting. Remember, just because incidents are not reported does not mean they do not happen.

On This Page You'll Find:
- Overall Crime and Safety
- On-Campus Crime and Safety
- La Plata Campus Neighborhood Crime and Safety
- Off-Campus (College of Southern Maryland Affiliated) Crime and Safety
Overall Crime Stats: 4 Incidents Reported
College of Southern Maryland reported 4 safety-related incidents involving students on or near campus or other College of Southern Maryland affiliated properties in 2019. Of the 3,990 colleges and universities that reported crime and safety data, 1,691 of them reported fewer incidents than this.
Based on a student body of 6,882 that works out to about 0.58 reports per thousand students. In 2019, 1,334 colleges and universities reported fewer incidents per thousand students than did College of Southern Maryland.
Reported Incidents by Category
Crime and safety incidents fall into four broad categories. Disciplinary actions represented none of all incidents. Arrests related to possession represented 50.0% of all incidents. Violence against women represented none of all incidents. Arrests for major crimes represented 50.0% of all incidents.
Reported Incidents by Location
75.0% of all incidents occurred on-campus. none of all incidents occurred in the La Plata neighborhood surrounding the campus. 25.0% of all incidents occurred off campus but while on school affiliated property.
On-Campus Crime Stats: 3 Incidents Reported
College of Southern Maryland reported 3 safety-related incidents involving students while on campus in 2019. Of the 3,990 colleges and universities that reported crime and safety data, 1,768 of them reported fewer incidents than this.
Based on a student body of 6,882 that works out to about 0.44 reports per thousand students. In 2019, 1,512 colleges and universities reported fewer incidents per thousand students than did College of Southern Maryland.
Reported Incidents by Category
Disciplinary actions represented none of all on-campus incidents. Arrests related to possession represented 66.7% of all on-campus incidents. Violence against women represented none of all on-campus incidents. Arrests for major crimes represented 33.3% of all on-campus incidents.
La Plata Neighborhood Crime Stats: No Incidents Reported
College of Southern Maryland reported no safety-related incidents involving students while on La Plata public property near campus in 2019. 2,561 of the 3,990 colleges and universities that reported crime and safety data also reported no incidents.
Based on a student body of 6,882 that works out to about 0.00 reports per thousand students.
College of Southern Maryland Affiliated (off campus) Crime Stats: 1 Incidents Reported
College of Southern Maryland reported 1 safety-related incidents involving students while off campus but still on property owned or controlled by the school in 2019. Of the 1,916 colleges and universities that reported crime and safety data, 1,136 of them reported fewer incidents than this.
Based on a student body of 6,882 that works out to about 0.15 reports per thousand students. In 2019, 1,271 colleges and universities reported fewer incidents per thousand students than did College of Southern Maryland.
Reported Incidents by Category
Disciplinary actions represented none of all off-campus incidents. Arrests related to possession represented none of all off-campus incidents. Violence against women represented none of all off-campus incidents. Arrests for major crimes represented 100.0% of all off-campus incidents.
Important Questions to Ask About Safety
- Even in low-crime areas, students still run the risk of encountering violence and unsafe situations. What kind of policies does College of Southern Maryland have in place to protect students or help students who are victims of crimes?
- How secure are the dorm rooms and other buildings? Would a break in be easy for an intruder?
- What kind of punishments or penalties are in place for students accused of or convicted of crimes?
- One way a student may feel more comfortable might be to take a self-defense or safety class. Are there classes like this offered at College of Southern Maryland?