By Cari Griggs, Senior Staff Writer
Officers handcuff a crime suspect March 30 behind the Kappa Sigma house, address. Photo: Marianne Pickens/ The Campus
A look at March’s police blotter reveals a number of crimes occurring within the OCU Police Department’s jurisdiction.
Offenses include public intoxication, fraud, stolen credit and debit cards, and possession of marijuana. In addition, students witnessed a shooting March 30 between the Kappa Sigma fraternity house and EZPAWN, 2027 N.W. 23rd St., Oklahoma City.
Steve Taylor, assistant chief of the OCUPD, said he doesn’t think crime is increasing, despite the recent events.
“We aren’t experiencing more crime than this time last year,” he said. “We’re actually down.
“Ever since we have been a police department, we have been able to take control of the neighborhood and had a good handle on crime.”
Taylor said the influx in crime could be related to the time of year.
“Typically we experience more crime in the spring,” he said. “This applies to all of law enforcement.
“People are getting out of school, and it’s not as cold at night.”
Because these events are common, the department is not changing any of their current practices, Taylor said.
“What happened in the pawn shop was at random, and we went into crisis reaction mode,” he said. “We recovered all the property, and it turned out pretty good.”
Taylor said he had a few suggestions for student safety.
“My concern is that if a violent or dangerous crime occurs, don’t play police officer,” he said. “People with handguns in the street are very dangerous.”
Taylor said OCUPD offers a free service to change flats, jump cars and help stranded students.
“I don’t recommend anyone walk around by themselves anywhere in today’s society,” he said. “We don’t want anyone stranded anywhere.
“This is a service you won’t find in regular law enforcement.”
Students have mixed reactions to the events and the threats they pose to their safety.
Angie Coumanova, vocal performance sophomore, said she isn’t phased by the events.
“I’m not scared,” she said. “I walked to Buy for Less at ten o’clock last night.
“I just carried my pepper spray.”
Hannah Owsley, music education sophomore, said she is not so convinced of her safety.
“When it starts to get dark, I don’t want to leave the Centennial/Alvins area,” she said.
