The daily crime log, published online by Campus Police, records on-campus crimes, disturbances and traffic offenses.
For the most part, these incidents involve University students, faculty and staff. However, non-students are also frequently involved.
During eight of the past ten days, at least one non-student has been involved in an on-campus incident requiring the involvement of Campus Police.
This raises concerns about the level of safety on campus.
According to Jon Barnwell, patrol division commander for campus police, the policy is essential to the identity of the University.
“By focusing on practical education for the common people, N.C. State became known as an institution for all North Carolinians,” Barnwell said. “As part of the UNC System, N.C. State’s campus and resources are open for use by the general public.”
Barnwell went on to say while this principle is essential to the University, it comes with inevitable safety challenges.
“Although [the policy] brings up concerns in relation to safety; the freedom of movement, interaction and the exchange of ideas is a core value for the N.C. State community,” Barnwell said.
For Lauren Caddick, a sophomore in art and design, the policy of an open campus is important because it helps students learn how to live independently.
“I think that a key part of the college experience is finally living out in the real world, which is not always a gated community,” Caddick said.
Campus police have a very active role in keeping students safe in regards to other students and non-students alike.
“[Campus police] makes every attempt to be pro-active in addressing situations before they become crimes,” Barnwell said.
According to Barnwell, campus police have the ability to interact with any individual whom they observe exhibiting odd behavior or any individual who appears to be in a place they should not be.
Barnwell also said the campus police force uses a “diversified patrol initiative” to help keep the community safe.
“We are not only patrolling in vehicles, but we are on horses, bicycles, Segways, and on foot, walking through buildings and interacting with our campus community,” Barnwell said.
According to Barnwell, while the policy of maintaining an open campus may inevitably create safety concerns, it is the best option for the well-being of the University community.
“Who would want the perimeter of the University to look like that of Central Prison?” Barnwell said. “If N.C. State became like a military compound on lock down, sure we would be safe, but would the environment be truly conducive to learning?”
Caddick echoed the sentiments of Barnwell in regards to N.C. State’s place in the community.
“When you are on the streets of N.C. State, you are on the streets of Raleigh,” Caddick said. “As long as students treat the campus as they would any big city and practice safe habits, I see no reason to consider enclosing the campus.”
However, there are legitimate safety concerns on campus, Caddick said.
Being a student in the College of Design, Caddick mentioned that she frequently makes late night treks from her studio to her dorm.
“I still feel that regardless of N.C. State being open or closed, there are paths on campus that are too dark and too far removed from the blue light system,” Caddick said.
Benjamin Holden, sophomore in mechanical engineering, said he also believes it is unrealistic to consider closing the campus to the public.
“It would be very hard for [N.C. State] to switch to being a closed campus because of its size,” Holden said.
Barnwell also said closing the campus to the public would not be conducive to the functioning of the University or its mission.
“You could increase safety by having an eight foot wall around campus and all roads gated with guard houses,” Barnwell said. “But as a land grant institution for the people with a mission of extension, engagement, and economic development, we may send mixed messages.”
