Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

By Sofia Montoya-Deck //

Liquor law violations and dating violence increased at Hood in 2023, according to the latest Annual Security and Fire Safety Report.

The report, released on Oct. 1, documented 52 liquor law violations in 2023 compared to 32 in 2022 and 13 in 2021. A liquor law offense is the “violation of state or local laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale, purchase, transportation, possession or use of alcoholic beverages.”

Meanwhile, reports of dating violence increased to four in 2023 compared to two in 2022 and zero in 2021. All reported incidents occurred on campus.

 The report, required by federal law, contains policy statements, as well as crime and fire statistics. Statistics for the last three years are represented in the report.

The 52-page document also includes the college’s policies, procedures and programs regarding safety and security, crime awareness and preventative measures. 

Reported incidents include those that have occurred on campus, in or on off-campus buildings or property controlled by Hood and on public property within or immediately adjacent to the campus.

Reportable crimes included in the statistics fall into four categories: Clery crimes, which include murder, assault, robbery and sexual violence; Violence Against Women Act crimes, which include domestic and dating violence; arrests; and judicial referrals. In 2023, there were zero Clery crimes reported, whereas in 2022, there were five reported events, consisting of three rape incidents, one fondling and one burglary.

There were six drug law violations in 2023, compared to seven in 2022 and only two in 2023. All liquor and drug law violations took place in student housing. For the past three years, Hood has recorded zero arrests.

The College has consistently reported one hate crime per year for the past three years, all of which have been categorized as “Destruction/Damage/Vandalism of property.”

The fire safety report recorded zero fires in residential facilities in 2023. The only incident reported in the last three years was an electrical fire in Smith Hall in 2022 that resulted in $55,000 worth of damages.

The report concludes with a statement of commitment that Campus Safety will work with the Hood community to resolve criminal and fire-related matters in a timely fashion. “All members of the department know that for this to happen they must cooperate and work hand-in-hand with faculty, staff and students of Hood College,” the report says. “By working together, the Department of Campus Safety and the College community strive to maintain a safe and secure learning environment.”

The Department of Campus Safety is located in Whitaker Campus Center and is open 24/7, 365 days a year. Campus Safety can be reached by calling 301-696-3548 for non-emergencies or 301-696-3111 for emergencies.