Newsroom Script

Rising Crime Rates Within Athens-Clarke County

Lauren Diaz: In 2016, the largest cities in the United States experienced a dramatic increase in
crime rates. With a rise in homicides, robberies, and aggravated assaults, students at the
University of Georgia are left questioning their safety and the institutions that are intended to
protect them. Veronica Ogbe, a student at the university, says that people are unaware of this
rise within Athens-Clarke County because they perceive it to be a secure, college town.

Veronica Ogbe: I personally did not know that crime rates were rising in Athens, but I feel that
it partially plays with this being a college town. They dont want people to think it is unsafe or
skew people away that are applying.

Lauren: Although the direct rise of criminal activity in the community is unknown, Wangechi
Warui believes it is associated with low-income within the area.

Wangechi Warui: Athens has low-income, and this has a Domino Effect on society. People feel
more inclined to do petty, or even violent crimes, if they live in a lower-income household.

Lauren: Many continue to be misinformed about the crimes occurring around them due to a
lack of coverage by local media outlets and the university itself. Students, including Juliana
Escalante, call on campus police to better protect and serve the community.

Juliana Escalante: Students should not be wondering around by themselves. We should always
try to be in groups and not go out at night wondering in weird places. But, I also think that the
school should get more involved and have more police on and off-campus.

Lauren: Additional methods of protection can be taken if students and community members
feel that their lives are at risk. Now, safety comes from a single app on any smartphone, Jessica
Keever says.

Jessica Keever: There is a LifeSafe app that has different functions. There is a walking buddy
system where your friends can track where you are walking, and it has all kinds of information
on how you can stay safe.

Lauren: Others, however, say they do not feel threatened by the rising rates. According to
Donovan Harris, the Athens-Clarke and UGA Police Departments have done a sufficient job at
keeping the community protected through their policing efforts.

Donovan Harris: I dont necessarily feel unsafe here in Athens. It is unfortunate that the crime
rates are rising, but, for me personally, I do not feel any more or less safe than I have in the
past.
Lauren: While some feel more secure than others, it is important to be vigilant of surroundings.
According to Ogbe, it is not only up to police departments, but also in the hands of students to
have personal autonomy that can reduce their risk.

Veronica: To become more aware, I think it comes with taking the time to look at your
surrounding areas, going online, coming in contact with people who are knowledgeable about
these things. Challenge your local newspapers and news stations and ask them why these
crimes are not being covered.