It goes without saying that there are thousands of colleges from one side of the country to the next. Furthermore, there are millions of students taking college courses at any given time.

While most college campuses are safe and secure, it is not uncommon for crimes to occur on a regular basis. From stalking to assault to rape to theft, crime will always be a problem, to a certain degree, on campuses throughout the United States. If you want to learn more about college student crime, regardless of the reason, there are many ways of doing so.

First and foremost, you can contact the security department at any institution for additional information. This may be the best way to learn more about safety and security on a particular campus.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education provides a variety of information through its Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool. The agency says this about the tool: "This analysis cutting tool was designed to provide rapid customized reports for public inquiries relating to campus crime and fire data."

There are times when a student commits a crime and is treated fairly. There are also times when a student is treated poorly by campus security and local authorities for one reason or another. Additionally, it is not uncommon for a student to be charged with a crime he or she did not commit.

As a college student, you should do what you can to remain safe. You should also do what you can to keep your nose clean. Knowing your legal rights as a student is a big deal.

Source: U.S. Department of Education, "The Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool" accessed Mar. 11, 2015