Illinois County Offers Drug Court and Treatment for Addicts

 Posted on April 07, 2016 in Drug Crimes

As officials across the state of Illinois look for ways to reduce the staggering state prison population, one Illinois county may have found a solution. In Will County, offenders arrested on substance abuse charges are provided help and rehabilitation instead of incarceration. Keeping individuals in prison is expensive, with overall costs reaching nearly $40,000 per Illinois inmate, and many offenders are likely to return to prison after being released. In Will County, however, drug offenders are given the chance to access the help they need to fight their addictions through drug court, allowing them to move forward with their lives. Should other Illinois counties follow suit? A Solution to Costly Incarceration According to a report from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, 13,000 of the state’s inmates were in need of substance abuse treatment during fiscal year 2014. Only half of those inmates received help, however, meaning many were released and continued to struggle with drug addiction, often leading to a second arrest and further prison time. In fact, 45 percent of Illinois offenders return to prison within three years of their initial release. Constant incarceration destroys lives, and is expensive for the state and tax payers. Less than 10 percent of drug offenders in Will County return to prison, thanks to the county’s drug court program that helps offenders recover from their addiction, and at a fraction of the cost. Women and men convicted of a drug related crime in Will County are eligible for the drug court program, where over the course of 18 months they receive the help, support, and treatment they need instead of a felony and prison time. Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow says it is important to provide help to individuals arrested due to charges related to their addiction. “We found a tool that works and we are using it aggressively. Because of the heroin problem the way it is, it is critical that these individuals get into drug court not just to avoid prison, not just to avoid a felony conviction, but to stay alive.” Compared to the nearly $40,000 cost per inmate incarcerated in Illinois, Will County’s drug court only costs $3,000 per participant. Without a felony on their record, and with help to recover from addiction, offenders are given the chance to start a new job, and get their life back on track. A Kinder Future for Drug Offenders Will County officials say drug court is a viable option to help reduce the state’s prison population, and also provide some compassion for substance abuse offenders who often need help. Glasgow says continuing down the same path of incarcerating drug offenders is no longer viable, and that the traditional method of handling drug offenders is “going to bankrupt us.” In Illinois, there are 60 drug courts, and advocates of rehabilitation programs for drug offenders are calling for state officials to invest in these programs statewide. Through drug courts, Illinois citizens struggling are able to combat their addiction and move forward, saving thousands of taxpayer dollars. An Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help While drug courts may not be an option for every offender statewide, there is help available to those facing drug related charged. Do not let a drug charge put your future in jeopardy. Contact an experienced Chicago defense attorney. Attorney Hal M. Garfinkel and his team have years of experience successfully defending clients from drug charges, and are available to assist you today. Call 312-629-0669 to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your options.

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What Is It Like to Be Stopped for Drugged Driving?

 Posted on April 05, 2016 in DUI

Drugged driving is a growing problem. With the recent legalization of marijuana in a few states, and widespread acceptance in many others, law enforcement officials across the  country report an alarming increase in the number of drivers caught driving while high. Marijuana is not the only culprit, either. Authorities nationwide are being trained to identify when a driver is under the influence of any illegal narcotic or prescription drug that could cause impairment, and for good reason. According to recent studies, 20 percent of weekend, nighttime drivers are under the influence of some type of drug. The police use a number of tactics, including impairment tests and blood work, to determine if a driver is guilty of drugged driving. What is it like getting pulled over and being suspected of driving while on drugs? In response to the growing problem, police departments across the country are training their officers to recognize and handle drugged drivers. Many officers are receiving specialty training to become DREs, which stands for drug recognition expert. The training is extensive, and includes over 100 hours of education. The officers are taught to identify signs that may indicate the driver is intoxicated due to a drug. Signs include unusual pupil activity, such as twitching, dilating or pulsing, strange tongue coloration, flecks of powder in or around the nostrils, and high pulse rate, to name just a few. Different drugs have different telltale signs. An officer may be able to identify which type of drug the driver is using at the scene, but further tests are often necessary once the driver is brought into custody. A Typical Drugged Driving Stop An officer notices a vehicle being operated erratically, and pulls the driver over. If impairment is suspected, the driver is given a field sobriety test. This is the standard roadside impairment test. The driver may be asked to walk in a straight line, or stand on one leg. If the driver fails, they are arrested for driving while intoxicated. If a breathalyzer test is administered and the results show no alcohol, the officer will begin testing for illegal or prescription drugs that may be impairing the driver. Typically, the officer will either have a drug testing kit with them, or call for back up to bring one. This kit includes a thermometer, a blood pressure meter, a stethoscope, and a “pupilometer,” a tool that helps officers determine if a suspect’s pupils indicate drug use. Through this testing, an officer should be able to identify which substance the driver has ingested, be it an illegal drug or prescription medication that has impairing effects. From there, further testing, including urine testing and blood work is available if necessary. In Illinois, refusal to take these tests can lead to further consequences for the driver. Authorities say these tests help them arrest dangerous drivers, and also help rule out drivers who are not impaired at all, but may seem like they are under the influence. Drugged Driving Consequences The state of Illinois handles cases of drugged driving very seriously, and consequences are severe. Even a first time offender could face license suspension, lofty fines, and other penalties. Second and third time offenders should expect even higher fines, loss of licenses for extended periods of time, and potential imprisonment. Any trace of an illegal drug found in a driver's system could be reason to press charges, even if the user ingested the drug hours or days before driving. Marijuana, for example, can be detected in the body for up to a month after ingesting, and a driver could potentially face drugged driving charges even if they ingested the drug long before driving.

If you are facing charges related to driving while under the influence, be it due to drugs or alcohol, you need the help of a qualified Chicago area criminal defense attorney. Attorney Hal M. Garfinkel and his team has successfully defended numerous clients facing DUI charges, and we are here to help you today. Call 312-629-0669 to schedule your free consultation with us today to review your legal options.

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Are Ignition Interlock Devices Effective?

 Posted on March 29, 2016 in DUI

Just how effective are ignition interlock devices? The tiny devices that prevent intoxicated drivers from starting or operating a vehicle have grown in popularity across the country as an effective method to prevent drunk driving. Since the first legislation on ignition interlock devices was put in place in 1999, every state in the country now utilizes the devices to help combat DUIs. Twenty-five states, including Illinois, have laws in place that require the devices be used after any DUI conviction, and drunk driving advocates are calling for other states to follow suit. Do the devices really keep American roadways safer? According to a report released recently by the widely known drunk driving awareness group Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), ignition interlock devices have thwarted 1.77 million drunk driving attempts nationwide since their first use. The report, the first of its kind, used data provided by the 11 major companies that manufacture ignition interlock devices. The devices are installed in an offender’s vehicle and prevent the car from starting unless the driver blows into the device to prove their sobriety. The devices may also require drivers to stop mid-drive and blow again, ensuring that they cannot start drinking on the road or have another person start their vehicle for them. According to MADD, the states that use the devices the most frequently have seen the most drastic decreases in DUIs and DUI related fatalities. Arizona, for example, has seen drunk driving deaths decrease by 50 percent since they first began using the tools to stop drunk driving. Many other states have seen 30 to 40 percent decreases. The report includes any attempt to start a vehicle by a driver whose blood alcohol content was .08, the legal limit, or higher. Since the state of Illinois began utilizing the devices, 96,456 drunk driving attempts have been prevented. In Washington, 103,913 attempts have been stopped. In Colorado, 92,503 attempts have been thwarted. That is only including drivers who have been at the legal limit of intoxication or higher, and MADD says that the figures for those who blow a .025 or higher are much larger. Upwards of 12 million buzzed drivers have been stopped thanks to the devices. Now, drunk driving advocates are calling for every state across the country to require the devices be installed in every DUI case. While every state does currently use the device in some way, some states only use them in cases involving repeat offenders, or with drivers who have a qualifying blood alcohol content. In Maryland, for example, the devices are only required in cases where the driver's blood alcohol content is .15 or higher, almost twice the legal limit. Other states let judges decide whether to use the devices or not on a case by case basis. Drunk driving advocates say that for the devices to be truly effective, they need to be required after every DUI case. In a statement released by MADD, the organization says no other preventative measures are as effective as ignition interlock devices, and that no other option physically prevents drivers from operating their vehicles while intoxicated like an ignition interlock device can. “That is why MADD believe every option for treatment and rehabilitation should include an ignition-interlock requirement to allow the offenders to safely travel without putting others or themselves at risk.” Opponents to the devices say they are too expensive to utilize in every case, but advocates say drunk drivers simply cannot be trusted to not repeat themselves. In fact, around a third of individuals arrested for or convicted of drunk driving are repeat offenders, and studies show that the average drunk driver has driven intoxicated 80 times prior to being caught. DUI Charges Could Mean Severe Consequences Most law enforcement agencies across the country hold a “no-tolerance” policy towards drunk drivers, and drunk driving penalties have become harsher. If you are facing DUI charges, you need the help of a qualified Chicago criminal defense attorney. You need an attorney with a track record of success. Call 312-629-0669 today to schedule your free consultation with the Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney. Attorney Garfinkel, a former prosecutor, has successfully defended many clients from DUI related charges. Do not leave your future in the hands of the Illinois legal system. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.   Sources:

https://www.cars.com/articles/how-many-drunken-drivers-have-ignition-interlocks-stopped-1420683820456/

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Street Gangs and Financial Fraud

 Posted on March 22, 2016 in White Collar Crime

Most of us associate violence, drugs, and weapons with gangs in America, but law enforcement agencies across the country report a surprising new activity gang members have taken up: financial fraud. Authorities say major gangs are increasingly getting involved in financial crimes like check fraud and identify theft, largely due to the fact that the payout is much higher than typical gang related activity. Additionally, financial fraud is more difficult for law enforcement agencies to detect, and officials say large sums of money are on the line. Less Risk, More Reward Officials say they were caught off guard by the recent number of gang related financial crimes, but are not surprised by the growing trend. Financial crimes are harder for authorities to detect, and often carry softer prison sentences compared to the activities gangs are typically associated with, such as gun violence and theft. Most importantly, however, is the large amount of money gangs across the country are reaping in. While no official report has been released detailing just how much money is at stake, recent attempts by gang members have been ambitious. Just last summer, a members of the Outlaw Gangsta Crips in Brooklyn were caught using fake checks to withdraw money from popular banks like Bank of America and J.P. Morgan Chase. Authorities say the gang brought in over $500,000 before being caught. In another recent case, California authorities thwarted members of the Long Beach Crip gang from stealing $14.3 million through tax-fraud and identity-theft. Gangs have increasingly turned to white collar crimes over the past few years, and officers across the country are being trained to monitor gangs for more than their typical activities. “We think of gang members being knuckleheads, but these guys are using a sophisticated thought process and getting involved in stuff that requires technology and an understanding of the banking system,” says one California detective. In New York, authorities say gang members are found with forged credit cards so frequently, they have come to call them “the new drug.” This new trend is challenging for agencies across the country, many of whom have different groups assigned to handling financial crime and gang activity. Along with credit card fraud and identity theft, officials say they are seeing more check fraud from gang members as well. New York authorities caught members of the SNOW gang who would steal checks from mailboxes and rewrite them, allowing their conspirators to cash the checks themselves. The SNOW members alone cashed nearly $35,000 in fake checks, and authorities say the problem will likely continue to grow across the country. For now, agencies are doing their best to educate agents to identify these types of activities and help prevent them from harming innocent citizens. Facing Charges? You Need Help

If you are facing charges related to a white-collar crime such as bank fraud, you need the help of a qualified Chicago area criminal defense attorney. The Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney represents clients facing these types of serious legal charges, and has successfully helped many clients avoid major prison sentences and other harsh penalties. Serious charges require strong representation, so do not wait to seek help. Call 312-629-0669 today to schedule your free consultation with us to learn more.

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Heroin Epidemic Continues in America

 Posted on March 17, 2016 in Drug Crimes

As drug overdose deaths continue to increase in America, one extremely addicting illegal substance, heroin, has officials across the country concerned. Nationwide, overdose deaths caused by heroin almost quadrupled from 2002 to 2013, and the problem is continuing to grow. With heroin a cheap and easy to find alternative to prescription opioids, addicting legal drugs prescribed to treat pain, the epidemic has affected Americans of all walks of life. Now, as the drug’s reach continues to expand, officials are worried that heroin users are purchasing and using the illegal substance in public places. Police officers across the country report finding people using heroin in public places like bathrooms, parks, fast-food restaurants, and libraries. A Quick Fix Due to heroin’s extreme addictiveness, officials say users purchase and use the drug as soon as they can find it, often in public places. “Users need the fix as quickly as they can get it,” says one police chief presiding over an area with widespread heroin use. “The physical and psychological need is so great for an addict that they will use it at the earliest opportunity.” Police officers across the country report finding drug users utilizing restrooms, cars, hospitals, libraries, and other busy public spaces to inject the drug, and some are found too late. Even if these public spaces were equipped to handle drug overdoses, which they are not, many users are found too late, locked in a bathroom or slumped over in the back of a public bus after a deadly overdose. Problems for Everyone Heroin use in public places is problematic for a number of reasons. First, it is dangerous for the drug users themselves, who may overdose without access to help. Treatment is available for heroin overdose, but requires immediate help from medical professionals. Some heroin users know this, and as an agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration reports, many addicts frequent towns where they know the medical staff is equipped to handle heroin overdoses. Other users, however, choose portable toilets and other enclosed places, and may be found unconscious or dead after injecting. Nationwide, 125 people die each day due to drug overdoses, and more than half of them are caused by heroin and painkillers. Aside from consequences for the users themselves, the use of heroin in public affects others as well. Heroin addicts typically leave behind used, dirty needles that are potentially hazardous. Law enforcement across the country is also affected, as agencies are having to respond to increased incidents of heroin use in public. Businesses, concerned over legal liability, have been forced to close their restrooms and other spaces to the public. Everyday citizens are affected as well, as many of these overdoses occur in public with witnesses watching. Is There a Solution? Officials across the country say they expect the use of heroin in public to continue to increase, but are hopeful about a solution in the future. Some Americans have called for supervised injection facilities, places where users could inject themselves with medical help available, which have been successful in Canada and Europe. These sites are not yet legal in America, but as the heroin epidemic continues to creep into the public view, they may be considered. In Boston, one organization has plans to create a safe place where heroin users could come to ride out their high, although they would not be able to inject the drug onsite. In addition to health consequences, heroin use could lead to serious legal consequences. Under the Illinois’ Controlled Substances Act, the possession, sale, or trafficking of heroin is a felony, with consequences depending on the factors such as the amount of heroin, previous offenses, and location of the crime. Prison time could be over 50 years depending on the circumstances. Not only are there serious legal consequences, but drug charges can damage your career, your family life, and your reputation.

If you are facing drug charges, you need the help of a qualified Chicago criminal defense attorney. Hal M. Garfinkel and his team have years of experience handling drug  offense cases, and will work aggressively to provide a quality defense. Call 312-629-0699 to schedule your free consultation immediately. Serious charges require the help of a serious criminal defense attorney with experience. Contact us today to learn more about how we can protect you.

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Cook County Police Crackdown on Prostitution

 Posted on March 14, 2016 in Sex Crimes

Cook County police recently arrested 79 “johns,” individuals looking to purchase sex, as part of a nationwide effort to combat prostitution. The johns were arrested in stings set up across the county. One sting, in Matteson late January, led to seven arrests, and involved a female police officer going undercover at a hotel. Another recent sting in Lansing netted 13 arrests. These stings are part of a larger, continuous effort from the Cook County Sheriff's Office in hopes of curbing prostitution, which often brings with it other illegal activity like drug use and violence. Stings are a common tactic used by Illinois authorities and tend to lead to many arrests. In 2015, 88 johns received citations for soliciting sex in the city of Matteson alone. Soliciting Sex on Superbowl Sunday Interestingly enough, these recent stings in Illinois were part of a larger, nationwide effort to curb prostitution surrounding the Super Bowl. Law enforcement officials say that Super Bowl Sunday and the days leading up to are a popular time for sex trafficking and prostitution, so the stings surrounding the game are especially important. In Santa Clara, California, for example, 30 johns were arrested on game day. Last year, Cook County authorities cracked down on johns during the period surrounding the Superbowl, and arrested almost 600 johns and others involved in prostitution. The Sheriff of Cook County says that while efforts are being made to stop prostitutes themselves and catch those involved in sex trafficking, johns are the primary focus of the recent stings. “It there were no johns, there would be no prostitution. It is not a victimless crime and johns need to be held responsible for their role in exacerbating the sex trade.” Serious Consequences for All Involved Johns caught attempting to purchase sex should expect consequences. The Matteson Police Chief says that his officers have the option of either arresting the john for a formal misdemeanor, or issuing a citation. While citations are certainly the preferable punishment, they still include a $500 fine, administrative fees of $500, and potential towing fines if the john was using a vehicle during their search for sex. Authorities say first time offenders and those who are compliant with the officers typically get issued a citation. Those facing charges related to prostitution or soliciting a prostitute should expect even harsher consequences including prison sentences and hefty fines. Cases involving minors and other special circumstances could include additional criminal charges as well.

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Why You Need to Fight False Domestic Violence Accusations

 Posted on March 10, 2016 in Domestic Violence

As in most states across the country, domestic violence laws in Illinois are designed to keep families safe and to provide immediate protection to victims. The goal is to make it as easy as possible for victims of domestic violence to come forward and report their abuse and to obtain protection from further harm. While the purpose of the laws are sincere, they are often abused. False domestic violence allegations occur frequently both in Illinois and across the country, and can be seriously damaging to the accused abuser and their family. If you have been falsely accused of domestic violence, do not leave your future in jeopardy. A qualified Illinois criminal defense attorney can help. False Accusations Under Illinois law, domestic violence is defined as any abusive behavior such as harassment, intimidation, or physical abuse inflicted on a family member or household member. This includes psychological and physical crimes such as threatening, repeated contact with a victim, assault, and stalking. The goal of the state’s broad definition is to protect victims, but the system is unfortunately abused frequently. An individual could be accused of domestic violence for something as seemingly trivial as multiple text messages or a minor argument. Even a gesture that is interpreted as aggressive could result in domestic violence accusations. Understandably, those falsely accused of domestic violence are frequently angry, scared, and upset. It is important to understand that false allegations can be fought, and failing to do so could result in a lifetime of potential hardships. Serious Consequences Being falsely accused of domestic violence could lead to a serious issues if the accusations are not fought. Those accused face potential prison time, fines, and a mark on permanent records. Your future career, housing, education, and civil rights could be in jeopardy as well. Potential future employers, landlords, loan providers, and higher education officials all may have access to your records, and may make it difficult for you to obtain a job, housing, or further your education. Teachers, doctors, and other professionals may lose their licenses or face other consequences. They may be forced from their jobs, banned from working with firearms or explosives, and prevented from ever holding a government job or public office position. Additionally, those convicted of domestic violence may be required to pay for and complete treatment such as counseling and anger management. False domestic violence accusations can have serious repercussions for your family as well. If an order of protection is put in place against you, you may be prevented from spending time with your children and your parental decision making powers may be limited. While you may be banned from visiting your own home, you could be required to continue paying household utilities, your mortgage, insurance, and other household expenses. If you are convicted of domestic violence, your parental abilities may be restricted even further. You may be forced to only visit with your children while under supervision or in public locations. If you are deemed a threat to your children, you may not be granted any visitation at all. Weakening the Illinois Criminal Justice System In additional to consequences for you and your family, false accusations of domestic violence weaken the Illinois criminal justice system. False accusations take the spotlight away from the real victims of violence, who truly do need legal assistance.

All too often, alleged victims use the Illinois domestic violence system for personal gain. They attempt to leverage divorce proceedings or file false accusations to get revenge against their spouse. Do not let false accusations against you affect you for the rest of your life. Your future, and the future of your family could be in jeopardy. The skilled Chicago criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney are here to help. If you have been wrongly accused of domestic violence, call 312-629-0669 today to schedule your free consultation with us.

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Chicago Officials Hope Demolishing Vacant Buildings Will Help in Reducing Crime

 Posted on March 08, 2016 in Chicago News

Abandoned buildings and vacant lots are frequently criminal hot spots. As Chicago officials search for ways to reduce crime within the city, the Chicago Department of Buildings has initiated their plan to demolish over 900 vacant homes and board up many others in hopes of curbing illegal activity. While the city has taken similar action in the past - over 250 buildings were demolished in 2012 - this project is different, as the Department of Buildings is working with the Chicago Police to specifically target high crime areas throughout the city. The first of the 900 homes to be demolished was brought down in February, with many more to come, mostly in the Calumet, Englewood, Harrison, and Deering police districts. Fewer Locations for Crime to Take Place Chicago officials say the goal is to remove potential gathering places for drug users, gang activity, prostitution, and other illegal activities. “We plan on expanding it to different locations throughout the city,” says the Chief of Patrol of the Chicago PD. “This is just one of the tools in our toolbox that we are going to utilize to make the city safer.” Police say that by fast tracking the demolition of these abandoned properties, criminals will have a tougher time finding locations to commit crimes. “These vacant buildings, we know that they are targets for gangs to gather and commit nefarious activity, such as storing weapons or selling illegal drugs.” In addition to the 900 some homes slated to be demolished, the city plans to board up hundreds of others. In 2015, the city boarded up around 3,000 vacant buildings in hopes of deterring criminal activity, and 425 have already been boarded up this year. Building Communities Up While some of the future vacant lots may be passed off to private developers, city officials are hoping that in addition to curbing crime, demolishing the vacant homes will help build up Chicago communities, thanks to an effort known as the Large Lot Program. According to the city, the Large Lot program helps re-establish communities by allowing vacated, city owned lots to sell to individuals who already own property on the same block for as low as $1. The city says the program aims to “stabilize neighborhoods, control public access to properties and prevent loitering.” The Chicago Buildings Commissioner says that thanks to the city's efforts, not only will crime be reduced, but community members will also be able to repurpose the abandoned spaces to enhance their community. Protection from Criminal Charges Be it on an abandoned lot or elsewhere, committing a crime can lead to serious consequences. As Chicago officials expand efforts to curb crime within the city, everyone should refrain from illegal activity. If you are facing criminal charges, your future may be in jeopardy. You need the help of a qualified Chicago area criminal attorney. Attorney Hal M. Garfinkel and his team have years of combined experience handling a variety of criminal cases. Do not leave your fate in the hands of the Chicago legal system. Call 312-629-0669 today to schedule your free consultation with us. We offer affordable, effective solutions to our clients. Sources: https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160223/roseland/city-speed-up-demolition-of-vacant-buildings-cut-down-on-crime

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2016/02/23/city-targeting-vacant-buildings-for-demolition-to-reduce-crime/

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Proposed Law Addresses Drones and Prison Areas

 Posted on March 03, 2016 in Uncategorized

Inmates and their accomplices on the outside have often utilized crafty methods to smuggle contraband. Now, as drones grow in popularity and number across the country, some creative inmates have begun using the unmanned aircraft to deliver banned items like drugs, weapons, and cellphones to prison yards. While Illinois itself has yet to have an incident like this occur, other surrounding states have had recent, problematic incidents with drones, and one Illinois lawmaker has proposed a new measure in hopes of keeping drones away from prisons within the state.

New Technology, New Problems

Prisons across the country are worried about the use of drones as incidents of inmates receiving banned substances dropped in prison yards by drones have increased over the past year. A few months ago in Mansfield, Ohio, a drone delivered a package containing marijuana, tobacco, and heroin to a prison yard, which sparked a violent brawl between the inmates. In Maryland, two men were recently arrested for plans to use a drone to deliver pornography, a cellphone, and illegal drugs to a prison. Last October, officials at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary discovered a drone that had crashed on prison grounds carrying a cellphone, heroin, and hacksaw blades.

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Chicago Campuses May Experience More Violent Crime than Reported

 Posted on March 01, 2016 in Violent Crime

When high school seniors choose which university to attend, the safety of the campus is an important factor to consider. Thanks to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, more commonly called the Clery Act, most American universities are required to report any violent crime that occurs each year on campus. The data, which includes the number of rapes, incidents of stalking, and assaults and other violent crimes that occur on campus, is accessible to students and parents to review when selecting a college to attend. As a recent report shows, however, six Chicago area universities, and potentially many more across the country, may be more dangerous than their reported numbers portray.

Location Matters

The Clery Act, named in honor of a student who was murdered on a Pennsylvania campus in 1986, mandates that any college in America that receives any type of federal aid must provide a yearly report of crime on campus, campus being the key word. In December 2014, a 23-year-old student of Loyola University was fatally shot one block off of the university’s main campus. When Loyola released their 2014 crime report, the number of homicides was listed as zero. This is, as a university spokesperson reported, due to the fact that the Clery Act only requires that schools report on crimes that happen within a certain geographic location. “The crime occurred near Albion and Lakewood, which per the Clery Act, is not within the university’s reportable geographical boundaries.”

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