Each year, Sacred Heart's Department of Public Safety issues an annual report that contains University crime statistics and an overview of security policies and procedures relating to crime awareness. In a message in the 2007 Public Safety's Annual Report, Jack Fernandez, director of Public Safety, said that the Department of Public Safety is a "service-oriented organization, which aims to provide a safe environment conducive to living, learning, and working." A copy of the 2007 annual report can be obtained by contacting the Department of Public Safety or downloading it off of the Sacred Heart Website. The University crime statistics included in the report are in compliance with the Cleary Act of 1990. "We take the issue of campus safety seriously and are determined to assure that our campus remains safe," said Fernandez. As an advocate for the report, Diana Pellegrino, junior, Valley Stream, N.Y., is always up-to-date with what is occurring on campus and makes sure she reads the report every year. "With the track record of most college campuses, it is definitely a relief to see that the thefts which occur on campus are included in the report and where they happen," said Pellegrino. "Public Safety is doing a good job of informing students and parents about what is happening on campus," said Pellegrino. But while some students feel well-informed, others didn't even know of the Annual Report's existence despite global e-mails that were sent out to inform students and faculty members of its availability by Scott Lupo, Assistant Supervisor of the Department of Public Safety. Elyse Mannino, sophomore, Old Bridge, N.J. said she didn't even know of the report's existence and that it should've been better advertised. "I think Sacred Heart and the Department of Public Safety should have made sure that they sent enough notice about the annual report coming out because not every student is aware that it even exists," said Mannino. In the Annual Report, the Department of Public Safety also stressed the importance of SHU students to share in the responsibility of security around campus. "A safe campus can only be achieved through cooperation and vigilance of all students, faculty, and staff," said Fernandez. Everyone needs to do their part in protecting themselves and others from becoming victims of crime and maintaining a safe campus. Stefanie Townsend, Smithtown, N.Y., said that she thinks it is of the utmost importance for students and the Sacred Heart community to acquire the 2007 Annual Report. "I don't feel it's entirely necessary for every single student to have their own individual copy of the report, but I do think it's important to make known to the student body that the report is available to them and that they are encouraged to either have a copy or at least take a glance at it," said Townsend. According to Fernandez, campus safety will take a conscious effort made by all and will require raising awareness and deterring crimes to maintain a secure campus. "People need to realize that there are crimes that happen here, and that we should be conscious of that fact," said Townsend. Alex Allison, senior, Glen Ridge, N.J. said that it's important for student to watch themselves and their friends by staying aware of what's going on. "It's scary sometimes to think about what has happened at other college campuses, especially the Virginia Tech incident," said Allison. The Public Safety Report is published annually in correspondence with the constant changes that occur each year. Though certain aspects of the report will remain unaltered for the 2008-2009 school year, a prediction can't be made at this point in time concerning any new proposed information. To download a copy of the report, go to the Sacred Heart website: Click on the Campus Life link, then on the Public Safety link, and then go to Annual Report.