Report Finds Drug and Alcohol Problem

Anyone interested in the number of robberies, motor vehicle thefts, assaults, arsons, and liquor law and drug abuse violations that have occurred at Lyndon State College now has it in black and white.

            LSC recently published the Public Safety & Campus Crime Awareness report, a yearly document highlighting the college's "public safety-related services, programs, policies, and statistics concerning crime on campus," according to a message on page three of the report from LSC's Director of Public Safety, George Hacking.

            The report touches on the role of the Public Safety Department, building security, residence hall safety, how and where to report a crime, who to contact in an emergency situation, medical and community resources, as well as the college's stance on controlled substances and the disciplinary actions that can be taken upon those who choose to break these rules.

            From 2008-2010, there were eight incidents of forcible sex offenses, and one instance of the possession of an illegal weapon.

There were no reported incidents involving the following: aggravated assault, arson, motor vehicle theft, hate crimes, and burglary.

            The report cites 155 drug abuse violations on campus between 2008 and 2010. During this same time period there were 454 reported liquor law violations. These violations fall under the category of Disciplinary Actions – On Campus, on page 16 of the report. Under the category: Arrests – On Campus, the same violations during the same time period tally only three arrests for drug abuse violations, and five liquor law violations.

             According to LSC's policies regarding controlled substances, disciplinary actions depend on the situation

            According to page 12 of the report, "[t]he College will impose disciplinary sanctions on students, faculty, and employees who violate the above-stated policies. Depending on the circumstances, these sanctions may range from a minimum of satisfactory participation in a rehabilitation program to a maximum of separation or termination from the College."

            When asked about the policies and the role Lyndon State has when it comes to disciplinary action, Hacking said: "You (the student body) are so fortunate to now be dealing with someone from residential life or public safety and not dealing with one of the troopers out on the road. The troopers have one option and one option only, and that's to give you a citation to go to court. We have the luxury of sending you through the judicial process on campus. But if someone takes it to the point where we can no longer handle it, then we call the state police, and they will deal with you."

            Hacking believes Lyndon State is a safe college, with a strong and smart student body. However, he does still see room for improvement, and believes that the report can help keep people aware of what's going on at the college, and where to go should someone witness the violation of one of the college's policies.

             "I look at all the things we can do to combat crime on campus. We can put up cameras, and they make people feel safer. But let's face it; all that's going to do is help solve the crime after it happens. We need to educate the people here so that we don't have to spend the thousands and thousands of dollars that make people safe, but actually be safe," said Hacking.