Annual crime figures reflect Public Safety Office's commitment to curb fake ID use


LAWRENCE – Increased efforts to curb use of fake IDs and a change in the way drunken-driving cases were counted led to a rise in offenses reported to the KU Public Safety Office, according to data released today.

Public Safety handled 818 criminal offenses in 2012 and participated in a multiagency, grant-funded fake ID awareness and enforcement initiative. That is an increase from 732 offenses in 2011.

Only three of the reports in 2012 involved violent crimes – two robberies and one sex offense.

“Providing a safe environment for the KU community is our primary goal,” said Chief Ralph Oliver.  “We are assisted by proactive efforts like the Fake ID Task Force and by university support of the increased use of closed-circuit cameras on campus. “

Previously, Public Safety categorized most drunken-driving cases as traffic charges, like a stop sign violation.  A procedural change now classifies them more specifically, allowing a clearer picture of the number of cases.

A complete list of all offenses reported to the department in 2012 can be found online.

Thu, 04/04/2013

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Schuyler Bailey

Media Contacts

Schuyler Bailey

KU Office of Public Safety

785-864-5900