TBI report shows decrease in overall crime at Tenn. colleges, universities

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Crime on Tennessee college campuses has declined by 2.8 percent from 2016 to 2017, according to a new report released by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

The data compiled in "Crime on Campus 2017" was collected from colleges, universities and law enforcement agencies across the state.

About 27 percent of all cases reported were theft cases, robbery declined by 55.2 percent with the average falling from 29 in 2016 to 13 in 2017. Assault offenses fell by 13.7 percent as well, specifically forcible ones. The report shows a 27 percent decrease in rape offenses, falling from 63 in 2016 to 46 in 2017.

Schools across the state saw a large 60.9 percent increase in DUIs in 2017.

“This report will hopefully assist law enforcement, institution administrations, and government officials in planning their efforts in the fight against crime and continue to create an awareness that crime exists as a threat in our communities,”

TBI Director Mark Gwyn said.

In the Knoxville area, the report showed the University of Tennessee reported four forcible sex offenses — including rape and fondling — in 2017; according to the report, two of those cases were cleared. Thirty-three of the 50 assault offenses reported — including aggravated and simple assault, intimidation and stalking — were cleared. Other reported offenses include three for extortion or blackmail, 197 for theft, 121 for drugs or narcotics, 41 DUIs, 79 for drunkenness and one peeping Tom offense.

The report also collected data from the Knoxville Police Department on crime at UT. That includes eight reports of forcible sex offenses at UT such as rape, sodomy and fondling. Four of those reports were cleared. Of 25 assault cases, 12 were cleared. Other cases KPD reported include one for blackmail and 113 for theft.

Pellissippi State Technical Community College reported two forcible fondling offenses, 24 assault offenses, 22 for thefts, 94 for vandalism, and one for drunkenness. KPD reported one burglary incident at PSTCC in 2017.

At the Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Knoxville, the school reported three thefts. KPD reported four offenses there, including burglary, damage or vandalism, extortion or blackmail, and theft.

Knoxville College and Strayer University both reported no major crimes on campus in 2017. South College reported just two burglary cases.