The Baker University Annual Security report for the 2024 calendar year has been released to students and staff members. The report covers statistics from the Baldwin City Campus, the Overland Park Campus, and the School of Nursing – Stormont Vail Health Campus.
The Annual Security Report is released to comply with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, also known as the Clery Act. These reports are released every year to make students and staff aware of crime and safety information, with the goal to prevent future incidents.
Looking at the report compared to years prior, there was a slight increase in burglary on the Baldwin City campus. In 2024, there was an average of 5 burglaries between on campus property and non-campus properties. In years 2023 and 2022, there was an average of 2-3 burglaries within those calendar years. However, these crimes are categorized between on campus property, residential facilities, public property, and non-campus property.
On campus property is defined as any property or building owned by the institution. Residential facilities include all on-campus housing provided by the university. Public property is classified as all streets, sidewalks, and parking facilities that are within campus limits, or immediately accessible to campus. Lastly, non-campus property is classified as any building or property owned by an institution that is not within the same geographic area of the institution.
Nicholas Goodman, Assistant Dean of Students, oversees campus safety and works alongside the Baldwin City Police Department to generate The Annual Security Report. Baker’s campus safety works closely with Baldwin City Police to communicate unusual or suspicious activity nearby campus.
“We’re just like anybody else that if we need their assistance, we call 911 and they’re quick to response to us like they are to any other car,” Goodman said.
On Sept. 16, the Baldwin City Chief of Police posted an announcement on their social media pages about a known local man walking around town and frequenting near homes, or on individual’s properties. However, the statement made civilians aware that this individual was in a mental health crisis, and they were working to get him the help he needs.
“The campus safety is aware of [the social media posts regarding the local man]. If campus safety sees him, or if anyone sees him, we contact Baldwin City Police Department to try and get him the help he needs,” Goodman explained.
Campus safety works close with the Baldwin City Police Department to ensure student’s and staff’s safety on campus. The report is released to make individuals aware of their surroundings and make it public information of what is happening around or on campus properties.
