KU Police Department releases 2022 crime data for Lawrence campus

LAWRENCE — Reported crimes were up at the University of Kansas Lawrence campus, according to statistics released today by the KU Police Department.

KU Police took reports of 526 criminal offenses on campus in 2022, which is an 11% increase from 2021. However, the 2022 numbers are 16% below the 10-year average of 612 criminal offenses reported annually.

Property crimes, such as theft and criminal damage to property, continue to make up the greatest number of offenses reported on campus. Violent crimes, such as robbery and aggravated battery, were also reported but were a smaller percentage of the overall crime total.

Chief of Police Nelson Mosley said the rise in reported crimes is partly due to the university returning to normal population levels following several years during the pandemic with fewer people on campus.

“I would like to thank all who played a part in watching over the campus and who reported criminal and suspicious behavior, as well as to credit the investments made by the university in technologies that help deter crime,” Mosley said.

Those technologies include electronic-controlled locks on buildings and expanding the camera infrastructure across campus, indoors and out.

The KU Police Department uses a variety of social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, to communicate with the Lawrence campus community regarding crime trends, crime prevention tips and general information. The department also provides training sessions on alcohol education, de-escalation and active shooter situations, among many other topics. Groups or individuals interested in any training topic can contact the KU Police Department at 785-864-5900 to schedule a session.

The KU Police Department offers a few crime prevention reminders: 

• Secure all items when leaving them, no matter the timeframe you will be gone.  
• Always be aware of your surroundings.  
• Walk in groups, and when you go somewhere with friends, make sure you have a plan to come back together.  
• When consuming alcohol, do so legally and responsibly and not to excess.
• If you see something, say something.

Crime statistics for the last 10 years are available on the department’s website. 

The university also puts out reports each year on offenses in accordance with the Clery Act, which requires a different data set. Clery stipulates broader offenses and encompasses some off-campus locations.