The OU administration published the 2010 Sooner Safety and Fire Report Monday, 25 days before the federal deadline.

All public higher education institutions are required to report campus crime statistics and security policies in accordance with the Clery Act, which is named after a Lehigh University freshman who was raped and murdered on campus in 1986.

We’re happy with the early publication of the report because the information is important to student safety and conduct.

One thing students should take away from the report is OUPD’s clear crackdown on liquor violations.

According to the report, more students were arrested in 2009 for liquor law violations than ever before, and students received fewer warnings for liquor law violations.

OUPD arrested 354 students in 2009, up 100 from 2008. Warnings decreased about 60 percent, from 475 to 191.

The same pattern holds true for drug violations. In 2009, warnings decreased compared to 2008 when arrests increased.

It’s a good thing our UOSA president Franz Zenteno has plans to improve SafeRide. Students will need every resource available to avoid getting pegged.

Another important statistic students should pay attention to is the traditionally low number of forcible sex offenses reported. The total reported from 2007 to 2009 is only 11.

We’re glad the number is low, but the fact of the matter is many of these crimes probably go unreported.

According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, approximately 60 percent of sexual assaults are not reported to police.

The university has many resources for sexual assault and domestic abuse victims, and one of the most important things students can do is report it.

OUPD can create sexual assault prevention programs for any group. The OU Sexual Assault Response Team maintains a staff that is accessible 24/7.

SART staff members can be reached by calling 615-0013, or through the OU Women’s Outreach Center, which can be reached at 325-5352.

With about 20,000 students on campus, it’s probably safe to say that there are a few violent relationships.

Take advantage of the information the university provides because it could keep you safe.