The University has witnessed a series of high-profile crimes this academic year, including a stabbing, a shooting and several burglaries.
Despite the seemingly unusual crime rate this academic year, the University Police crime index statistics reveal a decrease in crime since 1999. The number of reported incidents at the University totaled 418 in 1999. In 2003, the number of reported incidents totaled 249. In 1981, the number of reported crime totaled 1,058.
University spokesperson Carol Wood said this academic year has not seen an increase in crime rates, but the types of crime attract attention because of the nature of the incidents, which project the sense of increased criminal activity.
"The events have been more dramatic and received more media attention," Wood said. "This year [the incidents] were particularly traumatic to members of the University community."
The most recent violent crime occurred shortly after midnight April 28 at the Faulkner residence area, when University football player Jamaine Winborne was shot in the leg.
The shot was a result of a previous altercation between Winborne and University student Aaron Joshua Robinson, University Police Sgt. Melissa Fielding said.
Wood said Robinson turned himself into the University Police after the shooting incident occurred.
University Police charged him with one count of malicious wounding.
In another unrelated incident the same night at the Faulkner residence area, University student and football player Lonzer Tynes was charged with vandalism and University students and football players Marques Hagans and Brandon Lee were charged with disorderly conduct, Fielding said. The three students were held in the Charlottesville-Albemarle Regional Jail on bond, and they appeared in Albemarle General District Court May 4.
"The students refused to leave the area, obey police commands, cursed loudly and their body language became aggressive," Fielding said.
Fielding said during her 11 years with the University Police Department, there has not been a shooting on Grounds.
"When this type of crime occurs, the community's level of awareness increases," Fielding said.
The Bonnycastle Snack Bar and an Alderman Road Residence Hall were burglarized this semester as well. In March, $5,700 in electronics and $25 cash were stolen from suites in Dunglison, Dunnington and Courtenay dormitories. Three men, not affiliated with the University, were arrested February for stealing $1,600 from the Castle Snack Bar.
In November, the University experienced another tragedy. Andrew Alston, then a third-year College student, was charged with murder for the stabbing death of local resident Walker Andrew Sisk. The incident marks the first murder charges against a University student since 1985.
"The incident involved a dispute between the two individuals, and alcohol played a part," Fielding said.
In response to this year's crimes, Fielding said the University Police are taking precautions to prevent future incidents. University Police have increased the number of patrolling officers during large events and direct patrolling in areas where previous incidents have occurred.
In response to the recent incidents, Vice President for Student Affairs Patricia Lampkin said the University will examine how students cope with conflict and disagreement. The University will offer more conflict management training and bystander behavior education.
"We want to look at this issue in a comprehensive and realistic way," Lampkin said. "We do not want people to put themselves in volatile positions."
During summer leadership training, Lampkin said there will be a focus on conflict management with the assistance of an expert who will offer insight and advice. During the fall semester, Lampkin said the University seeks to expand this program to other student groups.
The University also will continue to work closely with the Police Department to encourage safe practices and behaviors, Lampkin said.
Wood said she encourages students to participate in conflict resolution programs such as Sustained Dialogue to solve disputes.
"Anytime people can come together to talk about something is a fabulous thing for the University community," Wood said. "Communication is an odd animal, and some people do it well and some people have to be taught."
The University has educational programs to foster conflict resolution skills beginning at orientation and continuing through other venues.
"The primary goal is the safety of our students," Wood said.
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