TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — Recent incidents at Cornell University have put student safety back in the spotlight.
According to the recently-released Clery Report, Troy University saw one reported on-campus rape case each year from 2023-2025, alongside four domestic violence cases reported in 2024.
Troy University Police Department (TUPD) Chief George Beaudry stressed that safety begins with situational awareness.
“You really have to think through everything you’re doing before you do it,” Beaudry said. “Safety in numbers, have good friends with you.”
Friends play a critical role in preventing dangerous situations, especially when someone begins acting different than usual.
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“When your friends are not themselves, that’s when you go, ‘Okay, lets keep an eye on them,”” Beaudry explained. “You can always tell them, ‘Hey, you’ve probably had too much.’
“If you think somethings happened to a friend, please report it.”
A major focus of the Chief’s message was the legal definition of consent and clearing misconceptions surrounding sexual assault.
“Consent is key,” Beaudry emphasized. “You can’t give consent if you’re intoxicated, on drugs, or anything else.
“Even if you say ‘I consent,’ the law doesn’t look at that as legal consent.”
Beaudry urged any student who believes they have experienced an assault to report it immediately, emphasizing that help is available regardless of the circumstances.
“They need to report as quick as possible after they believe an incident has occurred to give us the opportunity to get them the right help, services, and conduct an investigation. It is never the victim’s fault.
“I don’t care what they’ve drank, what drugs they’ve taken. It’s not their fault.”
Chief George Beaudry
Beaudry added reporting allows university police to support students through legal prosecution or student disciplinary processes so no student has to process trauma alone.
TUPD also offers tools students can use, including free drink covers available at the station to prevent drink spiking at bars and parties. Students can also access the Student Counseling Center on campus for confidential mental health support and resource.
