DeKALB | Junior psychology major Heather Sluga feels safe even though she walks back to her dorm late in the evening.

She is just one of many students to be seen every night of the week roaming the campus grounds in confidence and not fear.

“I’m not too worried,” she said. “There are always people walking around campus, even at one in the morning.”

In comparison with other college campuses in the state, NIU shares the same security issues. According to crime statistics pages at other universities, most of the major crime problems of any campus are alcohol related. In 2004, NIU had 12 arrests for alcohol violations on campus and 223 disciplinary referrals in residence halls , while downtown Chicago’s Loyola University only had one alcohol-related arrest and 149 referrals. NIU also reported 88 referrals for drug-related violations on campus while Loyola had 46.

Junior communication major Travis Edwards, who sometimes visits Greek Row at night, said he sees a lot of cops. His friend, sophomore accountancy major Justin McConkey, carries a live-and-let-live attitude with campus police, and said the only time problems come is if you make a scene.

Although it would appear that all schools face the issues of alcohol and drug-related violations on campus, NIU does carry a higher rate of forcible sex crimes. There were nine reported cases in the residence halls in 2004, compared to only one at Loyola. Burglary was also higher in residence halls with a reported 44 incidents to Loyola’s 16. There are no incidents of aggravated assault or motor vehicle theft.

Students like Sluga rely on the proximity of the police.

“I always carry my cell phone, and I feel I can contact the police easily,” said Sluga. “I feel completely safe on campus; I haven’t heard, seen or been the victim of any instance.”

Keith Cameron is a Campus Reporter for the Northern Star.