Recent criminal incidents concern students

By MICHELE DIGIACINTO
and SCOTT PERRY
Collegian Staff Writers

Concern over the growing number of criminal incidents on campus has increased since a recent hostage situation brought violence to the forefront of some people's minds.

University student Juan Villarreal was charged with the kidnapping of two University students of 115 Snyder. In the early morning hours of Feb. 26, Villarreal held the two students hostage and stabbed them.

Although the case may seem unusual, students think the amount of criminal activity on campus has increased.

"As far as things I've heard, I believe there has been (an increase)," said Mary Andrews (junior-engineering).

Some people connect this rash of crimes with communication problems.

"Students don't want to communicate these days. They are looking for the quick fix (to their problems)," said Judy Albin, assistant director of residence life.

She also said she does not think the East Halls area is any more violent than the other parts of campus, and the campus itself is a representative microcosm of the United States.

Roy Austin, associate professor of sociology and justice, said he suspects that when crime increases in society, it also increases on campus. But students tend to let their guard down while on campus.

He added that the amount of crime also depends on the area surrounding the campus. "Some (crime) will seep on the campus."

Donald Suit, director of the Office of Judicial Affairs, also said he thinks there is a close relationship with the increase in crime on campuses and the increase in crime in society. He added that he works closely with other universities, which also seem to be experiencing an increase.

This increase in crime has invoked fear in a number of University students.

Angela Sposito (freshman-international business) said it seems like crime on campus is increasing and that she is nervous to walk at night.

"I feel threatened. There seems to be no limits anymore," she said. "There is a lack of respect for people."

But the lack of respect leading to illegal activities is not just limited to violent crime.

Both University Police Services and the State College Police Department said the amount of drug related crimes has increased this semester, and some believe that this rise may be a part of a greater problem.

University police Shift Supervisor Clifford Lutz said in an interview last month that the recent rise in drug use on campus is part of a national trend. He also said more drug investigations are occurring at the local and state levels.

Gov. Tom Ridge has appointed the man, who used to be in charge of the narcotics division of the criminal investigations for the state police, as the state police commissioner, Lutz said. He added that this may indicate a statewide concern about increased drug use.

State College police Criminal Investigator Ralph Ralston agreed that there has been an increase in the number of drug-related calls the police have received during the past three years.

And police are not the only ones concerned with the amount of drugs on campus.

Lutz said although the number of drug-related incidents has increased, most of the busts result from other people calling them in, such as resident assistants.

"We have a segment of society vocally opposed to drugs," Lutz said.

But RA Mark Fontanella said he does not think students are using more drugs, rather people are more open about their drug use and are not as concerned with the rules.

Students used to use drugs behind closed doors. Now they do it in the halls and in the bathrooms. This tends to upset other students and they report what they see, he said.

But RA Gail Rishel said she is not sure if the number of drug users has increased. She added that she had a few marijuana incidents this semester; the first time in her four semesters as an RA.

Mark Murphy (freshman-communications) agrees with this last idea.

"I've heard about more frequent drug use on campus along with more violent crimes such as stabbing incidents," Murphy said.

Albin said sometimes the problems that occur in the dorms are a result of students being cooped up together for long periods of time during the winter months.

Some people come to college expecting to see little or no violence, Albin said, and people tend to bring their problems with them to school.