<p>It was comforting and reassuring to see the Charlottesville Police Department make a quick arrest of two suspects in last week's murder of a 26 year old UVA graduate in her own home in town. However, there are no arrests yet in another home invasion that took place this summer in town.
Parents, I would suggest reviewing FBI crime statistics for any town/city in which your child is interested in attending college. It can be an eye opening experience! I wish I had had the foresight to do so. Charlottesville is a small city, but its crime rate is above the national average in several crime categories. Recently I have read that the Charlottesville Police Department has eight vacancies on their force, as they have not been able to recruit officers.
Students, please listen to the advice of campus police and UVA administrators regarding safety. Continue to push for increased lighting, police presence, safe rides, and administration listening to your concerns.Take advantage of any courses on self defense and do not out youselves in vulnerable positions, especially late at night.</p>