The Department of Campus Safety responds to crimes in progress and takes reports of crime that occurred, but we stress that prevention is just as, if not more, important. While routine patrol and Campus Safety presence is part of prevention, we want the Grinnell College community to reduce the opportunity for criminal activity. A crime generally involves three components: the desire to commit the crime, the means to commit the crime, and the opportunity to commit the crime.
A victim is never at fault for the crime, but you can implement individual-level and community focused actions that can empower potential victims and address community conditions that facilitate violence. The Department of Campus Safety works to address community conditions that facilitate violence by using vehicle and foot patrol, the use of security cameras, controlling building access (mechanical and electronic locking), and by encouraging the community to report any suspicious behavior to us. We hope to deter crime with our presence and response, but crime prevention at Grinnell College is everyone’s responsibility.
Simple steps may help keep you and your property safe. For example, making sure that you lock your doors will reduce the likelihood of someone walking in and grabbing your laptop, your phone, or your wallet. Please read the following pages for more tips to help keep you and the Grinnell College community safe.
The Grinnell College Department of Campus Safety has trained staff available to answer your questions about Crime Prevention. To inquire about your specific needs or to schedule a Crime Prevention Training for your group, call Campus Safety at x4600 from any on-campus phone or 641-269-4600. You are also welcome to email the Department of Campus Safety.