Violent crime on campus is currently on the downswing, even though reports of assault have been relatively high this semester, according to UNH Police Deputy Chief Paul Dean.

“I wait to see if crime patterns even out,” said Dean. “Before Homecoming, campus crime peaks then settles down as midterms approach.”

However, 50 to 60 percent of the crimes committed on campus were by non-university affiliated parties.

“People see the university as a beacon in the night. They come here to meet people of the opposite sex,” said Dean.

“But what people don’t understand is that it’s not a place to come to. We’re heavily policed.”

Amy Culp, direct services coordinator for SHARPP, the campus Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention Program, said the number of people receiving their services has been elevated in October.

“It’s typically high in October. It’s a trend for some people to push forward. There have been two cases, but last year there were none,” said Culp.

There were a total of nine forcible sex offenses reported to police in 2005. However, SHARPP reports higher numbers: In 2005, there were 38 accounts of sexual assault reported. There were also five accounts of stalking and 13 accounts of domestic violence made to SHARPP.

Many victims of sexual assault chose not to go to police; therefore, police receive less sex offense reports than SHARPP.

Esther Tardy-Wolfe, director of UNH judicial systems, said crime is “pretty low.” If a student is charged of assault, he or she could be suspended or dismissed. Campus housing privileges could also be revoked.

Dean attributed much of the crime on campus to the way college campuses are portrayed in the entertainment business.
“TV doesn’t do any justice for campuses. It portrays it as an ‘Animal House’ atmosphere and people come looking for it,” said Dean.

Concerning a rumor of a fight club on campus, Dean said it’s “unconfirmed.”

Junior Brian Stucker has heard about the underground fight club, much like the movie, “Fight Club,” since he was a freshman. Stucker was looking to improve his boxing skills when friends told him about the club. He declined because he “wasn’t interested in pointless fighting.”

Alcohol is one of the biggest catalysts for crime, according to Dean. He said that students who commit crimes such as vandalism and theft while intoxicated wouldn’t do so while sober.

“Alcohol is the branch of the trunk of the tree and the branches are crime. If we cut down the tree, other crimes won’t happen. That’s why we’re steadfast with our zero-tolerance policies,” said Dean.

According to the Clery Act, which is recorded and published by UNH’s judicial system, in 2005 there were 309 liquor law arrests and 382 liquor law violations that required disciplinary action on campus properties that include residential facilities. There were 151 drug law arrests and 32 counts of burglary. No hate crimes were reported.