Last Friday, the Office of Safety and Security released its Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Report) for the 2026-2027 academic year. The report, which is mandated by the federal Clery Act, requires any college in the United States that receives federal funding to disclose campus crime statistics for the general public. In an email to the Bowdoin community, Associate Vice President of Safety and Security Bill Harwood presented the report with data spanning back three academic years.

“Campus safety is a community responsibility. Bowdoin makes every effort to create a safe environment for people to work, study and visit, and individuals play an important role in helping to keep campus safe,” the introduction to the report reads. “Together we create a safe community by being aware, reporting suspicious activity and caring for each other’s well-being and the common good.”

First, the number of drinking violations increased from 53 to 79 between 2024 and 2025. This interrupted a trend since 2021 of decreasing alcohol violations every year. Additionally, the number of drinking violations that occurred in residential facilities jumped from 28 to 65 during the same timeframe.

In terms of other criminal offenses, the College saw one reported case of hazing last year, a notable change from 2023 and 2024 when zero cases were reported to Security. Other crimes such as robbery, arson and murder remained at zero incidents reported for 2025.

In 2025, the number of rape cases reported numbered three, two of which occurred at residential facilities. In comparison, five rape offenses were reported in 2023 and four were reported in 2024.

Over the three year period, there were only six reported fires, one of which took place in 2025. Four were accidental fires due to cooking and two were arson, both of which were from 2023. Combined, the six fires caused approximately $845 in damage to college property. On Tuesday, the Brunswick Fire Department conducted on-site, live fire safety demonstrations to increase awareness about life safety systems.

The report concluded with links, phone numbers and resources available to members of the Bowdoin community should the need arise to report crimes to Security.

If you, or someone you know, is a victim of sexual violence, contact the Title IX Office at (207) 721-5509 or visit them in person at 38 College Street, Room 102 during business hours. Additionally, the National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7 for no cost at 1-800-656-HOPE.