The University of Southern California released the 2023 annual Security and Fire Safety Report on Tuesday, which compiles the crime and fire statistics at the University Park Campus and Health Sciences Campus by or before October 1.
One trend that the report highlighted is the increase in reported rape cases on the University Park Campus. In 2022, there were 51 reported cases, an increase from 39 the previous year. However, these numbers showcase a substantial decrease from the 167 cases reported back in 2018.
Another revelation in the report is the significant increase in motor vehicle thefts, which includes stolen electric bikes and scooters. In 2022, there were 322 cases reported, a 481% increase from the 67 cases reported the year prior.
A representative from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) said that this jump is largely due to the increase in popularity of personal e-scooters, which are counted as motor vehicles in crime statistics.
“Unless they’re properly locked with a high-quality lock, preferably on a bike rack, they are very easy to steal,” said Assistant Chief of Public Safety David Carlisle. “Unlike the types of scooters that you may see parked on the sidewalk around campus, which are owned by private companies, the scooters owned by students don’t require a key or a start button. You just get on them and go.”
The university also has seen a sharp rise in reported stalking cases, particularly against women. In 2022, there were 73 cases reported, compared to 23 cases reported in 2021.
Carlisle said the COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in some of the past years’ crime statistics being lower because there were fewer students on campus.
Despite these statistics, many students still feel safe on campus.
Tasneen Marwaha, a sophomore studying international relations and global business, said she felt safe on campus thanks to DPS presence, as well as USC being “pretty enclosed.”
Gerard Villanueva, a senior majoring in human biology, agreed.
“I feel relatively safe,” Villanueva said. “I’ve never felt like my life was in danger.”
Villanueva said he has seen some smaller conflicts between students and local residents, but added that he “wouldn’t say it’s completely negative.”
Carlisle also said most of the e-scooter thefts are from non-students coming onto campus.
“In cases where we have made arrests, they are not affiliated with the university quite often… they are repeat offenders,” he said. “There are people that we have seen before, have arrested before, but they’re not kept in custody for scooter theft.”
USC is taking proactive steps to enhance campus safety. Students can download the LiveSafe Mobile Safety App, managed by the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Emergency Planning. It provides an additional layer of security for students, staff and faculty to report incidents, access safety resources and get alerts from around campus.
The university has other safety measures to address these challenges, such as the emergency call boxes located around campus, campus police presence and the Trojans Respect Consent Initiative, all of which work towards creating a safe and respectful environment for all.
“USC has really leaned forward into providing and engaging around other supportive resources even at the earliest stages,” said Stacy Giwa, the vice president of ethics and compliance at the university. She pointed out counseling and early intervention services, which are available to students.
For any emergencies, individuals may call University Park Campus Emergency at (213) 740-4321, Health Sciences Campus Emergency at (323) 445-1000, or 911 to reach LAPD.
Angelina Hicks contributed to this report.