Yeagley not concerned with rising violations, activity on campus

Criminal statistics dramatically increased in 2011, but Central Michigan University Police Chief Bill Yeagley said the numbers aren’t necessarily what they seem.

The total number of calls/activities more than doubled over the past two years, with 2009 at 10,859 and 2011 at 21,507, but Yeagley said that doesn’t mean there more accounts of crime.

“It’s not just people calling in,” he said. “It’s things we’re doing. We’re working harder.”

CMU’s police department increased foot patrol in 2011, which led to more officers in the field and more interactions. Also, the statistics include new programs, safety presentations, property checks and bike patrol, Yeagley said.

“The crime that occurs on this campus is fairly consistent,” he said. “I don’t know the problem is any worse, we’re just paying closer attention to a few things because we care about safety.”

Also on the rise was burglary, which more than doubled from 2010 to 2011, with 15 campus burglaries reported. However, Yeagley said the increase isn’t a concern, especially when compared to 2009’s 27 burglaries.

“Seven more burglaries over a 365 day period. That’s really not alarming,” he said.

Also included in the total are calls people make for assistance, which aren’t considered a criminal activity.

“We’re counting more services we provide in a deeper way,” he said.

Breaking down the statistics further, CMU saw an increase in both in drug- and alcohol-related arrests and violations.

From 2010 to 2011, drug law violations resulting in an arrest rose from 28 to 59. Likewise, drug disciplinary referrals rose from 79 to 159.

However, Yeagley said one key factor in the 2011 increase was the legalization of medical marijuana. Although the drug is legal with a medical marijuana card, it was still not allowed to be used on campus.

Arrests regarding liquor law violations jumped from 96 in 2010 to 149 in 2011. However, student residence disciplinary alcohol referrals decreased from 529 in 2010 to 445 in 2011.

Yeagley said he does not believe there are more people drinking, rather there has been an increase in enforcement.