DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/FTF1-VG56
Defense Date
2009
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Public Policy & Administration
First Advisor
Laura J. Moriarty
Second Advisor
Max L. Bromley
Third Advisor
Jill A. Gordon
Fourth Advisor
John D. Reitzel
Fifth Advisor
I-Shian Suen
Abstract
This dissertation examines reported campus crime at Virginia’s institutions of higher education. Utilizing secondary data and content analysis, the research seeks to determine the amount and types of crime occurring on Virginia campuses and which correlates explain such crimes. Three sources of campus crime statistics are included and scrutinized in detail, including the Clery Act statistics, Virginia Incident-Based Reporting statistics and campus crime logs. Regardless of data source, findings indicate that the vast majority of reported campus crime is comprised of property offenses. The research argues to separate analyses by campus police departments versus campus security departments for more meaningful findings. For multivariate analysis, the study employs campus crime logs as the outcome measure for reported campus crime. The results indicate that, in all models, percentage of students living on campus significantly contributes to the explanation and prediction of total, violent/personal, and property crime log offenses reported per 100 students at institutions with either campus police departments or security departments. Additionally, percentage male enrollment was found to significantly contribute to violent/personal offenses reported per 100 students at institutions with campus police departments. Implications of findings and recommendations for policy and future research are discussed.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
May 2009