Spring Break
Reader's Digest ranks JHU number one in security
Issue date: 2/21/08
Of the 135 universities and colleges who participated in Reader's Digest's campus safety survey, Hopkins has been placed in the top spot.
The Campus Safety Survey was a comprehensive analysis of campuses' ability to handle various safety and security issues.
Schools were graded from A to C and ranked based on statistical analysis of their responses. Hopkins earned an "A" grade and was put in the top spot.
The survey was sent to the participating schools last November and various Hopkins administrators responded.
"We are pleased to be a contributing partner to the overall ranking and grade received," said Ed Skrodzki, executive director of campus safety and security said. Hopkins's administration has taken a proactive approach to on-campus safety since 2005, with an increased number of CCTV cameras and more emergency blue lights.
Some people, including administrators and organizations such as the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement (IACLEA), question the reliability of the ranking system in determining the safeness of any particular campus.
"We believe the survey methodology is flawed because it is not necessarily indicative of a campus public safety agency's effectiveness in crime prevention and protection of lives and property," said Christopher Blake, IACLEA associate director and campus preparedness project director.
Blake notes the survey question addressing whether campus officers are armed.
"One cannot automatically assume that an unarmed campus public safety department is less effective in protecting students, faculty and staff at a college and university. Whether a college or university has armed officers is often dictated by state statute or institutional policy," Blake said.
While Blake is not familiar specifically with Hopkins's public safety department, he states that the ranking on the survey indicates the existence of a number of security measures.
Dean of Student Life Susan Boswell was consulted for the survey and agrees that while the report may reflect the school's recent improvements, it is nowhere near a comprehensive report of all aspects of campus safety.
The Campus Safety Survey was a comprehensive analysis of campuses' ability to handle various safety and security issues.
Schools were graded from A to C and ranked based on statistical analysis of their responses. Hopkins earned an "A" grade and was put in the top spot.
The survey was sent to the participating schools last November and various Hopkins administrators responded.
"We are pleased to be a contributing partner to the overall ranking and grade received," said Ed Skrodzki, executive director of campus safety and security said. Hopkins's administration has taken a proactive approach to on-campus safety since 2005, with an increased number of CCTV cameras and more emergency blue lights.
Some people, including administrators and organizations such as the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement (IACLEA), question the reliability of the ranking system in determining the safeness of any particular campus.
"We believe the survey methodology is flawed because it is not necessarily indicative of a campus public safety agency's effectiveness in crime prevention and protection of lives and property," said Christopher Blake, IACLEA associate director and campus preparedness project director.
Blake notes the survey question addressing whether campus officers are armed.
"One cannot automatically assume that an unarmed campus public safety department is less effective in protecting students, faculty and staff at a college and university. Whether a college or university has armed officers is often dictated by state statute or institutional policy," Blake said.
While Blake is not familiar specifically with Hopkins's public safety department, he states that the ranking on the survey indicates the existence of a number of security measures.
Dean of Student Life Susan Boswell was consulted for the survey and agrees that while the report may reflect the school's recent improvements, it is nowhere near a comprehensive report of all aspects of campus safety.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Fasting
posted 2/24/08 @ 10:31 PM EST
This at least shows that the campus is trying very hard to keep the students safe. These efforts were not made just to get a high ranking but to protect the students safety so they are headed in the right direction. (Continued…)
Glenn
posted 8/24/08 @ 2:22 PM EST
There's always a balance between safety and paranoia...
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