MSU annual report reveals crime rates and resources to keep students safe

BOZEMAN, Mont. — Montana State University has released its annual safety and fire safety report.

The report reveals some shocking crime statistics that occurred on and off campus over a three-year period.

The most prominent crimes included more than 70 rape offenses, almost 30 fondling offenses and 21 grievous bodily harm.

Other notable crimes and arrests included 30 domestic violence offenses, nearly 50 stalking offenses, 52 drug arrests and nearly 300 DUI arrests.

NBC Montana went to the MSU campus to ask students if they felt safe there.

“In general I feel pretty safe, I live on campus now and have never really worried about moving from one side of campus to the other,” said Claire Gore, an MSU student.

“Definitely a safe feeling. I ride my bike around here, so it’s a fun environment and there really wasn’t a time where I felt unsafe,” said Olive Jeffry, an MSU student.

The annual report also highlights numerous resources to ensure student safety, such as: B. Timely Alerts, the MSU Alert System, Campus Safety, Safety Programs and more.

“We have consistent programs, support services and law enforcement policies in place to make our campus the safe place it is,” said Michael Becker, MSU Director of Intelligence.

This fall, MSU welcomed more than 17,000 students. Becker said it is expected that crime reports will increase as the number of students increases and the community grows.

However, he believes the university’s policies and procedures will continue to keep people safe on campus.

“We do our best every day to create a campus environment where our students can learn, grow, explore their interests and earn their degrees in a safe environment,” Becker said.

If you would like to read the annual report yourself, click here.