How should crimes be counted in residence halls that also house faculty?

The correct approach to counting crimes in residence halls that also house faculty is to count all crimes under both the residential and faculty categories. This is due to the requirement set forth by the Clery Act, which mandates that institutions must report all criminal offenses occurring in their on-campus facilities, regardless of the demographic of the individuals affected or involved.

These residence halls serve as living accommodations for students and may also be designated areas for faculty. When a crime occurs in these spaces—be it related to students or faculty—students have the right to be informed about their safety and any security issues that arise in their living environment. Reporting all crimes ensures comprehensive transparency and accountability, fostering a safe campus environment for everyone involved.

Counting only student-related crimes would omit vital information that could inform safety policies and procedures necessary for both students and faculty. Furthermore, neglecting to report crimes occurring in spaces shared by both populations does not provide an accurate picture of campus safety. Thus, it is critical to capture the totality of incidents to comply with Clery Act regulations and uphold the intent of providing a safe educational environment.