UConn Division of Safety releases 2024 annual security and fire report 

The Division of University Safety at the University of Connecticut released the 2024 Annual Security and Fire Report on Sept. 30. This report is compiled and published every year by colleges and universities that receive federal funding across the nation in compliance with the Clery Act. 

The Clery Act is a consumer protection law that was enacted in 1990, according to the Clery Center website. It is named for Jeanne Clery, a 19-year-old student of Lehigh University who was murdered in her dormitory. Clery’s parents argued that if they had known the crime statistics for the university before enrolling, she likely wouldn’t have attended.  

The act requires that universities report incidents related to five categories: criminal offenses, hate crimes, hazing, Violence Against Women Act offenses and arrests or referrals for disciplinary action. 

The report features an extensive overview of safety policies and prevention programs currently in place at UConn. 

Data collection for the report is a continuous process, according to Matthew Zadrowski, the captain of the UConn Police Department.  

“While the exact timeline can vary, the process typically spans several months, including data collection, verification, formatting, and internal review,” Zadrowski said. “This collaborative 

approach ensures the report provides the most accurate and comprehensive information to the UConn community.” 

The deputy chief of administration takes the lead in putting the report together within the Division of University Safety, according to Zadrowski.  

“However, it is a collaborative effort involving multiple departments, including Community Standards, Residential Life, Student Health and Wellness, and the Office of Institutional Equity, among others,” he said. 

Much of the data comes from reports and complaints made to UCPD directly. However, some data also comes from “campus security authorities,” according to a press release put out on UConn Today. 

“Those officials… comprise more than 1,200 people who regularly interact with students in their roles as resident assistants, coaches, faculty advisers, and other on-campus authorities,” the press release said. 

Zadrowski explained who could be considered an official. 

“For example, an RA [resident assistant] working in a residence hall is considered a [campus security authority] because they are often the first point of contact for students reporting incidents,” Zadrowski said. 

Training of these campus security authorities has increased in the past few years, according to the press release.  

“Through a strengthened partnership with the Office of Institutional Equity and the Office of University Compliance, the Clery Compliance Team has been able to deliver more frequent and accessible training sessions across all UConn campuses,” Zadrowski said. “These trainings are offered in multiple formats, including online modules and in-person workshops, to ensure that all designated CSAs have the opportunity to participate regardless of location or schedule.” 

Zadrowski said the partnership improved overall safety at UConn. 

“This collaborative and proactive approach ensures that CSAs are well-informed and prepared, ultimately enhancing the safety and transparency of the UConn community,” Zadrowski said. 

According to the press release released by the university, out of eight incidents of reported sexual assault, six were reported by campus security authorities.  

The report features data compiled by reports from the last three years. 

Disciplinary referrals issued for liquor law violations as well as drug abuse violations saw a significant drop in 2024 compared to the years prior.  

“The noticeable decrease in disciplinary referrals related to drug abuse and liquor law violations in 2024 compared to previous years may reflect a broader shift in how such cases are approached and handled on campus,” Zadrowski said. “Rather than indicating a drop in incidents alone, it’s possible that changes in legal frameworks and institutional trainings have influenced the way these situations are reported and resolved.” 

He cited the decrease in drug abuse violations as an example. 

“The decriminalization of marijuana in Connecticut and similar legislative changes have likely reduced the number of referrals for possession or use,” Zadrowski said. “Additionally, there has been a growing movement to treat alcohol misuse as a health issue rather than a disciplinary one, which encourages our institution to focus on education, support, and recovery rather than punishment.“ 

Zadrowski also suggested that this shift might have something to do with the fact that non-police entities, like the campus security authorities, are responsible for filing the referrals. 

“Housing staff, faculty, or other services are now prioritizing restorative practices and/or wellness interventions over formal referrals which could naturally lead to fewer recorded incidents,” Zadrowski said. “Collaborations with offices like Community Standards may have further reinforced a more holistic approach, emphasizing student development and well-being.” 

Zadrowski said the change in the university’s strategies could contribute to lower numbers. 

“This shift in philosophy — from enforcement to empowerment — could very well be the driving force behind the reduced numbers, reflecting not just a change in behavior but a transformation in institutional values and response strategies,” Zadrowski said.