Arizona State University Polytechnic, Mesa Community College’s two campuses and Benedictine University’s Mesa Campus all collect data and statistics on campus crime.
In 2024, Arizona State University’s Polytechnic Campus in Mesa had five criminal offenses — three for fondling, one for burglary and one for motor vehicle theft — which is three more than the previous year’s total, according to a federally mandated campus-security report.
ASU Poly also saw an increase in Violence Against Women Act offenses in 2024, as that year saw two reported stalking incidents and one report of dating violence, compared to a singular reported stalking incident in 2023.
ASU Poly also reported that 37 referrals were giving out for drugs or alcohol in 2024, compared to 17 given out in the previous year.
Sgt. Bryan Epps of the ASU Police Department said the increase in criminal offenses is not necessarily indicative of a trend on its own.
“That is a hard question to answer looking at only one statistic, especially when that statistic represents different types of crimes,” Epps said. “It can, however, indicate that we should take a deeper look into those types of offenses and look for other factors that could point to a trend.”
Regardless of the school, most campus safety reports are separated into multiple categories: criminal offenses, VAWA offenses, and arrests/referrals.
Criminal offenses are sorted into the following categories:
Violence Against Women Act offenses are separated into three categories: domestic violence, dating violence and stalking. Referrals and arrests are categorized by weapons, drugs or alcohol. The data is published annually, and ASU Poly’s data can be viewed on page 96: https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf.
Epps explained that college campuses are required by federal law to report crime statistics in this manner, thanks to the Clery Act.
“Being a college campus, our stats are reported in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Police and Campus Crime Statistics Act,” Epps said. “However, ASU PD also provides crime statistics in the same manner as our municipality counterparts which can be found in the Crime in Arizona report maintained by Arizona Department of Public Safety and then subsequently – FBI’s NIBRS report.”
The Southern and Dobson campus saw three criminal offense reported in 2024 — one burglary, one aggravated assault and one motor vehicle theft — which is the same number as the previous year’s total. Four Violence Against Women Act offenses were reported on campus in 2024 (two reports of stalking, one report of dating violence, one report of domestic violence), compared to zero in 2023 and one in 2022. 2024 saw zero reports of arrests in alcohol or drug referrals, compared to one in 2022 and one in 2023. The campus also saw two reported hate crimes in 2024 compared to zero in either 2023 or 2022.
MCC Communications Officer Lindsey Wilson said the college administration works closely with law enforcement, among other methods, to ensure these numbers don’t go up in future years.
“The college administration works closely with the Maricopa Community Colleges Police Department’s leadership to support strong public safety practices and ensure that reporting meets best practices,” Wilson said. “The department has also established a Community Engagement and Outreach Team to enhance our engagement and communication with students, staff, and faculty across our campuses to help our community members feel confident about their safety and security while on campus.”
The Red Mountain Campus saw a singular burglary reported as the lone criminal offense reported in 2024, compared to zero in the previous two years. There were zero Violence Against Women Act offenses or arrests/referrals for weapons, drugs or alcohol, or reported hate crimes on the Red Mountain campus between 2022 and 2024 as well.
Wilson said the around-the-clock MCCPD response as well as dedicated police aides for daily safety needs help keeps MCC campuses safe throughout the year.
“All of our campuses have 24/7 police response through MCCPD. We also work closely with the Mesa Police Department, which responds to emergency calls for service at the Dobson and Red Mountain campuses,” Wilson said. “In addition, we have dedicated police aides who support day-to-day safety needs such as unlocks, escorts and general campus assistance.”
There were zero offenses or arrests/referrals of any kind in 2023 on campus at Benedictine as well. In 2022, Benedictine had two criminal offenses committed, two arrests, 10 referrals and zero Violence Against Women Act offenses.
Benedictine Mesa did not respond to requests for comment after multiple emails and phone calls.
Brad Delphey, campus safety director, in a letter on page 5 of the report wrote how students, staff and teachers are kept safe.
“Campus safety officers and support personnel are a dedicated, well-trained group of professionals who take pride in their service to the University,” Delphey wrote. “The department values the partnerships it has developed with the students, faculty, staff, visitors, and neighbors, and believes that community relationships are the key to building trust and safety for all.”
Tips on staying safe at a college campus
Experiences may differ from campus to campus, but safety is important regardless of what Mesa college a student is attending.
ASU Police Department Sgt. Epps said five essential tips can help keep students safe as they walk around, so that students do not become a statistic themselves.
“Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Do not leave your valuables unattended, even on a safe campus like ASU. Use a durable lock, preferably U-Lock, to properly secure your E-Scooter or bike to an actual bike rack or bike valet,” he said. “There is safety in numbers, especially at night, so try not to walk alone or use the LiveSafe app to have someone of your choosing to monitor your trip. Be proactive about your personal safety, know your surroundings but also your resources.”
After graduating from Arizona State University's Cronkite School in spring 2022, Connor Van Ligten spent a little over year as a reporter for WWL-TV in New Orleans before finding themselves back in Phoenix in October of 2023. Now back in the Valley and writing for the Mesa Independent and the Daily Independent, Connor is ready to tell meaningful stories and report on important civic issues facing Mesa. Connor is a big fan of the 49ers, Warriors, pro wrestling, anime, dogs and fighting video games.
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