On Oct. 1st, Campus Safety released their annual “Security & Fire Safety Report.” This report is intended to inform students of the yearly statistics on crimes reported on Biola-owned property and in any surrounding areas. This year’s report notably began with a tribute to John “Chief O” Ojeisekhoba, in addition to its usual overview of Biola’s safety measures and actual crime statistics.

CATEGORIES OF DECREASED REPORTS

According to the report, which compared statistics from 2022 to 2024, the number of reported crimes remained largely unchanged, with only a few categories experiencing any variation. 

Reports of burglary and fondling both saw slight decreases in 2024, while reports of drug law violations and liquor law violations saw more drastic change. 

In regards to drug law violations, 2024 contained 11 reported violations, compared to 13 violations in 2023 and 24 violations in 2022. Meanwhile, only two liquor law violations were reported in 2024, in comparison to seven violations in 2023 and eight violations in 2022. 

Interim Campus Safety Chief Randy Chung said that these changes are due largely to Campus Safety’s work with Student Development and Residence Life. According to Chung, both groups have worked hard to combat drug and liquor law violations on campus.

“Our partners in Student Development and Residence Life have done a terrific job with educating students on the dangers of drugs and alcohol and the [repercussions] for violating the student code of conduct,” said Chung.

CATEGORIES OF INCREASED REPORTS

The report also cited some categories of increased reported cases. Cases of reported rape increased from zero in 2023, to two in 2024. Dating violence reports similarly increased from zero in 2023, to two in 2024. Campus Safety notes that the cases of reported dating violence in 2024 connect with both the cases of reported rape, and the instances of reported fondling. Additionally, all of these reported cases were internal, and the university took disciplinary actions. 

Reported cases of aggravated assault also saw an increase. In both 2022 and 2023, there were zero reports, while 2024 contained one reported case. The report notes that this was a student vs. student incident. Reports of illegal weapons possession were also up. In 2024, there were four reported violations, in comparison to two reported violations in both 2022 and 2023. 

BIOLA IN COMPARISON TO NEARBY UNIVERSITIES

In comparison to nearby universities, Biola generally maintains a lower rate of crime. For example, Azusa Pacific University (APU) – which had a similar student population to Biola for the 2024-25 school year, 6272 students – had an all around higher number of reported crimes listed in their Security and Fire Safety Report. The reported incidents for 2024 were as follows:

Overall, APU saw an increase in crime in 2024, with most statistics being significantly higher than those of Biola.

That said, in cases of fondling, aggravated assault, and dating violence, APU did see slightly lower reporting. APU had only one report of fondling, and no reports of aggravated assault or dating violence. 

APU had a total of 55 reported incidents, leaving them with an average of 8.8 incidents per 1000 students; meanwhile, Biola only had 11 total reported incidents, leaving them with an average of 1.5 incidents per 1000 students.

Another nearby university – smaller, yet still of similar size – is University of Redlands, which had a student population of 3087 students for the 2024-25 academic year. In their Security and Fire Safety Report, Redlands had a total of 13 reported incidents, giving them an average of 4.2 incidents per student.

In comparison to Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU), which had a student population of 4756 students in the 2024-25 school year, Biola again had a lower average of incidents per 1000 students. In their Security and Fire Safety Report, PLNU had a total of nine reported incidents. 

This comes out to an average of 1.89 incidents per 1000 students. However, it is important to note that six out of these nine reports at PLNU were related to motor vehicle theft; PLNU also had no reports of violence and only one report of sexual assault, in the form of fondling. The last two reports were both incidents of stalking.

CAMPUS SAFETY RESPONSE

Chung said that Biola has been able to retain such a consistently low crime rate due to its “proactive approach to crime prevention.” 

This proactive approach includes: “Utilizing two patrol zones, providing u-locks free of charge to community members for their bikes and scooters, and educating community members with safety tips such as locking their vehicle doors and not leaving items in plain sight.”

Much of their work in bringing down law violations and keeping other categories of crime low, is due to their attentiveness to trends. Campus Safety adjusts their tactics accordingly, responding to crimes and incursions as they see best.

When asked about reports of rising violence, especially sexual violence, as well as how Campus Safety will work to lower these rates in the future, he simply said: “Our statistics reflect incidents that were reported. The university provides educational opportunites regarding sexual violence.”

In contrast to rising numbers of reports of violence, some crimes rates – such as motor vehicle theft – have neither increased nor decreased, but rather, have consistently remained the same.  

Regarding motor vehicle thefts, and whether Campus Safety has worked to lower this particularly consistent crime, Chung said: “Motor vehicle thefts … are considered crimes of opportunity. In recent years, criminals have used modified keys/key fobs to gain entry into certain types of vehicles. Campus Safety has recommended the use of steering wheel locks on certain models of vehicles to prevent theft. Campus Safety officers patrol the campus and off-campus apartment areas and make contact with individuals if necessary.”

Chung had no comment on the consistent reports of stalking on campus.

Thanks to the measures taken by Campus Safety, who work to ensure the protection of all students and faculty, Biola’s crime rates have remained overall low and stable. 

When asked how students can ensure their own individual safety, Chung said, “Always lock your door (dorm and vehicle). Never leave items in plain sight in your vehicle. Never prop open a gate or entry door. Always be aware of your surroundings. If something/someone doesn’t seem safe, call the Campus Safety emergency line at (562) 777-4000 or 9-1-1.”