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
- University Park Campus Neighborhood Crime and Safety
- Off-Campus (Penn State Affiliated) Crime and Safety
Overall Crime Stats: 2,372 Incidents Reported
Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus reported 2,372 safety-related incidents involving students on or near campus or other Penn State affiliated properties in 2017. Of the 2,795 colleges and universities that reported crime and safety data, 2,787 of them reported fewer incidents than this.
Based on a student body of 47,307 that works out to about 50.14 reports per thousand students. In 2017, 2,351 colleges and universities reported fewer incidents per thousand students than did Penn State.
Reported Incidents by Category
Crime and safety incidents fall into four broad categories. Disciplinary actions represented 52.1% of all incidents. Arrests related to possession represented 40.6% of all incidents. Violence against women represented 1.4% of all incidents. Arrests for major crimes represented 5.9% of all incidents.
Reported Incidents by Location
94.3% of all incidents occurred on-campus. 2.4% of all incidents occurred in the University Park neighborhood surrounding the campus. 3.3% of all incidents occurred off campus but while on school affiliated property.
On-Campus Crime Stats: 2,236 Incidents Reported
Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus reported 2,236 safety-related incidents involving students while on campus in 2017. Of the 2,795 colleges and universities that reported crime and safety data, 2,786 of them reported fewer incidents than this.
Based on a student body of 47,307 that works out to about 47.27 reports per thousand students. In 2017, 2,369 colleges and universities reported fewer incidents per thousand students than did Penn State.
Reported Incidents by Category
Disciplinary actions represented 55.1% of all on-campus incidents. Arrests related to possession represented 39.4% of all on-campus incidents. Violence against women represented 1.3% of all on-campus incidents. Arrests for major crimes represented 4.2% of all on-campus incidents.
University Park Neighborhood Crime Stats: 58 Incidents Reported
Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus reported 58 safety-related incidents involving students while on University Park public property near campus in 2017. Of the 2,795 colleges and universities that reported crime and safety data, 2,723 of them reported fewer incidents than this.
Based on a student body of 47,307 that works out to about 1.23 reports per thousand students. In 2017, 2,169 colleges and universities reported fewer incidents per thousand students than did Penn State.
Reported Incidents by Category
Disciplinary actions represented 6.9% of all campus neighborhood incidents. Arrests related to possession represented 75.9% of all campus neighborhood incidents. Violence against women represented 1.7% of all campus neighborhood incidents. Arrests for major crimes represented 15.5% of all campus neighborhood incidents.
Penn State Affiliated (off campus) Crime Stats: 78 Incidents Reported
Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus reported 78 safety-related incidents involving students while off campus but still on property owned or controlled by the school in 2017. Of the 1,470 colleges and universities that reported crime and safety data, 1,455 of them reported fewer incidents than this.
Based on a student body of 47,307 that works out to about 1.65 reports per thousand students. In 2017, 1,242 colleges and universities reported fewer incidents per thousand students than did Penn State.
Reported Incidents by Category
Disciplinary actions represented 1.3% of all off-campus incidents. Arrests related to possession represented 47.4% of all off-campus incidents. Violence against women represented 3.8% of all off-campus incidents. Arrests for major crimes represented 47.4% 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 Penn State 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 Penn State?
