A campus climate survey based on data from the Spring 2023 semester surveyed 1,580 students and 527 employees with safety being one of the main concerns for both groups.
According to the survey data, many students prefer not to take classes at night because of the lack of safety after dark. For employees, walking around at night is a big safety concern.
Bomb threats, shootings, the unhoused population, post-pandemic bigotry and local crime rates were all cited as reasons why employees are concerned about their safety.
“I think it is very important to understand that Delta College resides in a city that is nationally recognized for its high crime rates,” Public Information Officer for Police Services Jim Bock said. “Despite this, the police department has done an incredible job at preventing serious crimes and maintains an overall low crime rate.”
Stockton Police Department crime comparison report for Aug. 2023 states there were 1,119 crimes compared to July 2023 with 1,214 crimes. During Aug the highest number of crimes were 362 larceny theft, 246 motor vehicle theft and 238 aggravated assaults.
A clery report from Delta campus police was released in September showing data from 2022 of crimes on campus. According to this data, there was one sexual offense, two burglaries, one motor vehicle theft, two arsons and two arrests due to liquor and drug violations.
Mountain House campus and Manteca farm haven’t had any crimes in 2022, though in 2021 Mountain House had one burglary.
“There’s lots of people and cops running by,” Delta Student Ashlyn Pimental said, noting how a crowd makes her feel safer on campus.
In the campus climate survey are suggestions from Delta students and employees to ensure the safety of individuals on campus.
These recommendations include an increase in outdoor lighting, public safety events that address personal safety on campus and installing blue emergency alert systems in stairwells and dark places around campus.
“In addition to that, with the pandemic behind us now, we will be resuming our annual Crime Prevention and Safety Fair, which will be held at a yet-to-be-determined date during the Spring Semester,” Bock said noting how Delta College Police Chief Bob Di Piero created a Campus Engagement officer position. “With this new position, we will be increasing our involvement in community events and safety presentations, which include Coffee with a Cop, Fierce’s Fall Fest, College Hour, etc.”
The Research and Planning Group for California Community Colleges is in the development of prioritizing and implementing the suggestions in the survey according to the Campus Climate Survey.