Spring Break
Hopkins makes no changes as homicide count rises
Issue date: 9/27/07
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There have been a total of 19 homicides within only eight blocks of the Homewood campus since the year began, as the homicide rate in Baltimore climbs to historic levels.
Over 220 people have been murdered in the city of Baltimore since the year began. Some have predicted that the increasing murder rate in the City could reach 300 for the first time since 1999.
Despite the number of murders in the area, Executive Director of Campus security Edmund Skrodzki insisted that the campus is safe. "When you look at recent crime statistics for the Northern Police District, where the University is located, you will find a lower crime rate in contrast with other areas of the city," Skodzki said. "The Homewood Campus and Charles Village proper continue to be among the safest areas in Baltimore City."
According to Skodzki, Hopkins will respond to the increase in murders this year the same way they have adjusted to fluctuations in the past.
"Campus Security continually reviews the crime trends and adjusts the deployment of our security forces to increase the safety of the Hopkins students and community," he said.
Skodzki also stated that the risks Hopkins students face are the same as "the security concerns and inherent risks of any large city."
Hopkins security was increased after the murders of two students within a nine-month span.
Christopher Elser was killed in 2004 after being attacked during an altercation at the Sigma Alpha Episilon fraternity house.
Linda Trinh was killed in early 2005 in her apartment by Donta Allen, who pled guilty to the murder last year.
"We attribute the relatively lower incidence of crime on campus and areas proximate to campus to the multi-layered security presence established over two years ago," Skodzki said.
Though the Baltimore Police did not respond to requests for comment, Skrodzki said that the Campus Safety and Security unit has "an excellent relationship with the criminal investigative section of the Baltimore Police Department."
Over 220 people have been murdered in the city of Baltimore since the year began. Some have predicted that the increasing murder rate in the City could reach 300 for the first time since 1999.
Despite the number of murders in the area, Executive Director of Campus security Edmund Skrodzki insisted that the campus is safe. "When you look at recent crime statistics for the Northern Police District, where the University is located, you will find a lower crime rate in contrast with other areas of the city," Skodzki said. "The Homewood Campus and Charles Village proper continue to be among the safest areas in Baltimore City."
According to Skodzki, Hopkins will respond to the increase in murders this year the same way they have adjusted to fluctuations in the past.
"Campus Security continually reviews the crime trends and adjusts the deployment of our security forces to increase the safety of the Hopkins students and community," he said.
Skodzki also stated that the risks Hopkins students face are the same as "the security concerns and inherent risks of any large city."
Hopkins security was increased after the murders of two students within a nine-month span.
Christopher Elser was killed in 2004 after being attacked during an altercation at the Sigma Alpha Episilon fraternity house.
Linda Trinh was killed in early 2005 in her apartment by Donta Allen, who pled guilty to the murder last year.
"We attribute the relatively lower incidence of crime on campus and areas proximate to campus to the multi-layered security presence established over two years ago," Skodzki said.
Though the Baltimore Police did not respond to requests for comment, Skrodzki said that the Campus Safety and Security unit has "an excellent relationship with the criminal investigative section of the Baltimore Police Department."
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Jon L. Albee
posted 10/02/07 @ 3:22 PM EST
I hold very warm feelings about Johns Hopkins and the time I spent there, but my memories are always tainted by an incident that occurred on my first day of classes. (Continued…)
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