Charlotte Shields-Rossi | a&e editor

The 2024 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report released by the university last week showed that liquor law violations were the highest type of on-campus crime with 214 violations referred for disciplinary action.

This was an increase from 2022 and 2023, which had 68 and 113 violations respectively.

Campus police recognize the increase and are taking steps to combat this, Deputy Chief Jennifer Ford said.

“We’ve improved our ability to recognize situations and enforce appropriately, collaborating with colleagues in residence life, conduct, and other offices, but it’s hard to know exactly why [liquor violations are increasing],” Ford said.

Students under 21 are prohibited to consume, transport, possess or be in the presence of alcohol, according to the student handbook. Students 21 and older can have beer or malt beverages in cans, wine and liquor in dorm rooms, but they must be registered at the residence hall front desk. Failure to register an alcoholic beverage will result in disciplinary action.

With all drug and alcohol violations, on-campus students are referred to the Office of Student Conduct which coordinates and administers the student disciplinary process through enforcement of the Student Handbook.

They are also referred to DU Cares, which conducts brief assessments and facilitates short-term interventions for those caught violating alcohol and drug policies. DU Cares also hosts educational programs and alcohol-free social events on campus.

Dan Gittins, the associate director of alcohol and drug education, said that the disciplinary process at Duquesne often includes a fine, survey and individual assessment with him and his team. He says when students are sent to him it’s a nonjudgmental approach solely about education.

“Safety and success is our goal. Alcohol is a drug, and I just want people to respect it as one,” Gittens said.

Gittins said there are times in which drug and alcohol referrals peak on campus including the first few weeks of classes, Halloween, before Thanksgiving break, St. Patrick’s Day and the Super Bowl.

So far this semester, Gittins has seen a decline.

In 2015 he would see about 80 people by October, this year it has been half that.

Both Gittins and Ford say that although violations increased in 2024 compared to the previous year, they are lower than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“[Students are] making far better decisions than some generations past,” Gittins said.

Violent crimes

Although there was an increase in liquor law violations, violent crime on campus is down.

In 2023, according to the report there were eight sex offenses, two aggravated assaults and two cases of domestic violence on campus. In 2024, there were four sex offenses, zero aggravated assaults and zero cases of domestic violence. There were no cases of homicide either year.

Duquesne Police credits the decrease to the awareness they raise about crime through technology, training and education, Ford said. They also will continue to work with stakeholders on or around campus to make sure that prevention and safety are paramount on campus.

“Although the number might be slightly down from previous years, even one is too many,” Ford said.

Fire safety

In 2024, Duquesne University saw one fire in an on-campus residence hall, the same as in 2022 and 2023.

Adjacent to campus, District Fire Station No. 4’s fire fighters are the first responders if a fire emergency happens on campus. Although last year there was only one fire, they also respond to medical emergencies and fire alarm activations.

Jeff Morris, fire department chief, said avoiding overloading the electrical circuits with extensive electrical cords and practicing fire safety when cooking, are all ways to avoid fire emergencies.

What DUPO is doing to be better

Ford said Duquesne Police constantly keep watch of campus by vehicle and foot patrol, as well as actively engaging with the students, faculty, staff and visitors on campus. They also have over 1,000 cameras around campus, all in an effort to keep campus safe.

Ford said students can improve their safety while on and off campus by walking in groups, keeping their phones charged and having a friend or family member to check in with. When students go out, they should let their friends know who they are going with, when they are expected back and the location they will be going to.

Students should call Duquesne Police when on campus or 911 when off campus if they ever feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Duquesne Police can be reached at 412-396-2677.

Charlotte Shields-Rossi can be reached at shieldsrossic@duq.edu