Crime prevention top priority at Northeast

Which would you think is more prevalent on the Northeast campus: alcohol, drugs, or weapons?

According to Chief of Campus Police and Security Dean Bearden, in 2007, four students were arrested for alcohol, one for drugs, and 24 weapons were confiscated.

Bearden states that a considerable amount of illegal activity regarding these areas occurs, but security can’t deal with it all. Many students are simply referred for discipline rather than arrested.

When interviewed about these problems, Bearden explained that there are already plans at work to help deal with the issues.

Student contacts have been developed that alert security to any illegal activity witnessed on the NE campus. On top of this, the Booneville Police Department is also aiding in the tracking of some of the illegal activity. Bearden states that arrests have been made due to the cooperation between the Northeast Campus Police and Security and the Booneville Police Department..

Burglary is also on the rise at the Northeast campus.

The cause seems to be students just aren’t using common sense.

Car doors and dormitory doors are not being locked, which leaves ample opportunity for thieves. Twenty-four burglaries were reported in 2007 as opposed to 18 in 2006 and 21 in 2005.

“We are here for the safety of our students, faculty and staff,” Bearden said. “And we would like to encourage students to obey the law and take precautions to ensure their own safety.”