The 2024 Annual Campus Security & Fire Safety Report became available for viewing on Monday, September 30. The report is compiled in adherence with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three years and information about the University’s current campus security, fire safety and related policies.
The origins of the Clery Act are rooted in tragedy, as it was established following the rape and murder of Jeanne Clery in her college dormitory in 1986. Her parents were unaware of the danger their daughter faced, prompting the pair to lobby for policy changes to initiate open dialogue about campus safety.
For the past two years, the report has been compiled by Sgt. Mike Santos. In a conversation with The Mirror, Santos acknowledged that the process is “strenuous” and can only be completed by an individual who has completed Clery Act Training Seminars (CATS). According to the Clery Center, the seminars “are multi-day, in-depth Clery Act training offered in three modalities: in-person, virtual, and self-paced.” Santos and the entire Department of Public Safety (DPS) are committed to ensuring that “the entire university community stays as free as possible from crime while pursuing their academic endeavors to the fullest,” as indicated on the Fairfield University website.
The Mirror has identified a few standout incidents from 2023.
- There was one incident of weapon possession in a student residence.
- The number of reported sexual incidents increased from 3 to 8 between 2022 and 2023. Seven of these incidents took place on campus.
- There were three reported incidents of “Sexual Assault: Rape.” Two incidents took place in student residences and one occurred in an off-campus facility.
- There were four incidents of forcible fondling in student residences.
- Five incidents of stalking took place on university property. Three took place in student residences.
DPS was able to provide insight on the weapon possession, stating that a group of students released a “Molotov cocktail” on Grauert Field. Britannica defines the “Molotov cocktail” as “ a crude bomb, typically consisting of a bottle filled with a flammable liquid and a wick that is ignited before throwing.” The students, who created the bomb with experimental intentions, were promptly arrested by the Fairfield Police Department.
The Mirror sought additional insight on these statistics from DPS. They were referred to Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Jennifer Anderson ‘97, MBA ‘02 for comment. Anderson did not reply in time for print. The Mirror will continue to investigate and provide updates once available. The most current version of the Annual Campus Security & Fire Safety Report can be accessed digitally at fairfield.edu/clery. Paper copies of the Annual Campus Security & Fire Safety Report are available at the Fairfield University Department of Public Safety, Loyola Hall, Room #2, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.
