Across the board, from robberies to sexual assault, Penn experienced a significant drop in most categories of crime last year. For this, we must recognize the role played by the Division of Public Safety for bringing about these declines.
Throughout the past several years but specifically in 2008, DPS's work has turned the campus from a security theater to a safe environment for students and the faculty and staff living in the University City neighborhood.
From new efforts in lighting to requiring security guards to show identification before walking students home, DPS has been proactive in keeping students around campus safe.
Especially notable is the drop in violent crimes, which decreased by nearly 40 percent since 2007. Although it's easy to focus on the instances when violent crime does occur, these numbers show that it is happening less frequently, and that is something to take to heart.
Simply hearing the words "West Philadelphia" puts Penn students and parents at a higher level of alert than it would students and parents who inhabit a suburban or rural campus. While this reputation is somewhat unfair, the heightened concern is the student's own responsibility.
And though DPS's security measures include cameras, lights and guards covering the campus area, this vigilance on the part of students and parents is still necessary for students to remain safe. Students are responsible in part for their own safety, and should continue to take it seriously despite these numbers.
Nonetheless DPS and its police force should still be commended for its efforts and the subsequent payoff.
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