NLC's safety ranks 24 in U.S.
Campus issued a 98.08 score by StateUniversity.com
By Grant V. Ziegler, North Lake News-Register Editor-in-Chief
In a society where security and safety is at an utmost importance, students can breathe easier as NLC placed 24th in the nation and 6th in the state for the 2011 school year regarding campus safety.
In 2010, NLC was already ranked an admirable 36th in the nation. In just one year, NLC was able to leap 12 spots.
School shootings may be few and far between but it only takes one to shake the nation and forever change the outlook of a campus.
Columbine High School lost 15 students and faculty members due to a school shooting, while Virginia Tech has been the unfortunate host of two school shootings resulting in more than 30 deaths.
However, NLC has not dealt with any of these tragedies and has a police force in place should the unthinkable happen.
“We adequately prepare to face whatever comes along and we will respond accordingly,” said NLC Police Chief Chris Drake.
According to StateUniversity.com, NLC was issued a 98.08 safety score out of a possible 100. This is a pleasant and reassuring statistic for new and returning students.
“It’s my first semester here and it’s reassuring knowing that the campus I’m joining is safe,” said Tallensi Smith, who is attending NLC to further her degree in social work.
Drake credits the high score and ranking to NLC being in an affluent location and having an active foot-patrol by campus police.
“We’re remaining visible,” said Drake. “Whether it be in parking lots or inside the campus, having high visibility is always a good idea.”
Drake also has advice for the populace of NLC to keep crime at a minimum.
Keep possessions with you at all times, don’t bring unnecessary valuables to school, make yourself a hard target and if you see a suspicious person or behavior let the police know, he said.
Drake also advised if you’re uncomfortable walking to your car alone, especially if you’re taking night classes, ask an officer to travel with you to your vehicle.
“We’re just going to continue doing what we’re doing and provide as efficient service as we can. There's always room for improvement because it didn’t say we were number one,” said Drake.
“It’s a wonderful relief that our crime stats are in a good place,” said NLC’s interim president, Christa Slejko. “It’s comforting to know that crime doesn’t have to be at the top of my worries.
“We have a core group of officers that have been with NLC for a while and they know the campus and the community very well,” added Slejko. “Their various methods of patrol such as officers on foot, on bike, electric scooters and in vehicles have kept our campus safe.”
Drake also wants to remind students, faculty and staff that even though NLC ranks high in campus safety crime can and still does happen so take care of yourself while attending NLC.
Drake finished up by saying, “Be comfortable at NLC but don’t become complacent. Enjoy your time here.”