BROOKINGS — South Dakota State University again tops the list for safest college campus in South Dakota, according to a new report by SafeHome.org.

The recognition reflects the rate of violent crime per 1,000 students, of which SDSU scores 0.24. SDSU is also the safest in the region when Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and Nebraska are included.

“We are fully committed to providing the highest level of professional police and public safety services to the university community,” University Police Department Chief Tim Heaton said. “The protection and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and visitors is and always has been our top priority. The department emphasizes the importance of accreditation, training, consultation, teamwork and open discussion with campus constituencies on law enforcement and related safety matters.”

The city of Brookings and SDSU have consistently been named among the top safest campus communities in the nation and state.

SDSU is home to a full-time, fully accredited police department dedicated to ensuring the safety of campus.

The University Police Department offers services including:

• Educational presentation and programs
• Safety escorts
• Victim services
• Firearm storage

SafeHome.org utilized data from the U.S. Department of Education regarding campus safety.