UAPD published its annual report on crime statistics on Tuesday, which revealed a significant decrease in liquor law arrests and a significant increase in liquor law violations leading to disciplinary action.

Sgt. Fil Barrera, public information officer for UAPD, said the Pima County Attorney’s Office, the Dean of Students and the University of Arizona Police Department work together to offer students a diversion program rather than citing them for alcohol violations. UAPD is taking this opportunity to give students a second chance rather than arresting them, he added.

“We’re just basically taking the opportunity to provide additional education and prevention on campus,” Barrera said.

Reported forcible sex offenses also increased, from zero in 2011 to nine in 2012. Barrera said many UA departments have been working to encourage students to report these incidents, regardless of whether other factors such as drugs or alcohol are involved in the situation.

“I think everyone on this issue is doing a really good job,” Barrera said. “Could we do a better job? I’m sure we could, but we’re trying to get there.”

The report includes statistics regarding a variety of crimes including murder, assault, robbery and drug and alcohol violations, as well as hate crimes.

Motor vehicle theft also saw a significant increase, with four times as many thefts reported in 2012 than 2011.

“We spend quite a bit of time in our lots,” Barrera said, “but there’s quite a bit of property for us to … patrol and just the sheer volume of vehicles makes it kind of hard for us.”

By the numbers:

Forcible Sex Offenses:
2011 – 0

2012 – 9

Motor Vehicle Theft:
2011 – 7

2012 – 28

Liquor Law Arrests:
2011 – 658

2012 – 522

Liquor Law Violations Disciplinary action:
2011 – 450

2012 – 607

— Statistics provided by UAPD Annual Report.

– Follow Stephanie Casanova @_scasanova_