From the Captain

Awareness is key to lowering crime and student safety, according to CSULB Campus Police Captain Fernando Solorzano.

Every year the crime statistics are published on the CSULB campus police website. Coupled with the Activity Log and Crime Alerts, the Clery Report divulges all of the need-to-know for student safety.

Students say property theft is CSULB's biggest crime problem. Captain Solorzano attributes this to students leaving their valuables unattended.

Next to drug and alcohol abuse, property theft is the biggest crime problem at CSULB, according to the 2008 crime statistics.

While touring the CSULB police station (October 2, 2009), I asked Captain Solorzano when was the last time they had someone in the holding cell, and what was the offense. It was the previous day, and the suspect was arrested for a methamphetamine violation.

The below data show a significant increase in drug and alcohol abuse at CSULB within the last three years:

								2006	2007	2008
			Liquor Violations					12	220	322
			Drug Abuse					4	33	82

If you need help, or know of anyone who needs help check out the CSULB Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs Program (ATOD)--for all of our safety.

Please also check out the links the Clery Report provides:

• Crime Statistics 2008
• Policy for the use of Drugs and Alcohol on Campus
• Reporting a Crime
• Crime Prevention tips to deter motor vehicle theft
• Specialized Seminars and Police Services
• Hate Crimes
• Sexual Assault
• Domestic Violence
• Need to Know Phone Numbers

Every student should know how to report, acknowledge and hopefully prevent a crime. Our campus is the fifth safest campus in the nation, beams Captain Solorzano. He attributes this achievement to the extensive security video surveillance, the 24-7 police patrol, the women's selfdefense classes, the Night Escort Program (CSO), the open house awareness events, the Emergency Notification System and the innovative campus directed 9-1-1.

When dialing 9-1-1 from a cell phone (while on campus) or a campus emergency phone, the call goes directly to our CSULB police center--for the quickest possible response. Our campus was the first in California to provide this service and some colleges still haven't stepped up, according to Captain Solorzano.

"We will find the best way to keep everyone safe, we will never leave anyone stranded," assured the Captain when asked what a girl can expect when she calls upon the night escort service (CSO).

Our police team works hard to keep us safe. I plan on taking full advantage of what it offers and kicking butt at the women's self defense class!