In Cambridge, domestic violence numbers are up, according to Nagle, because residents have become more aware of domestic violence, and victims are now more likely to report their assaulter.

Drug Arrests on the Rise

Drug-related arrests in Cambridge also increased 9 percent in 1995 from the previous year.

Nagle points out that drug-related crime is on the rise across the nation and that Cambridge simply reflects an unfortunate trend.

"The problem with drugs is bad all over, not just in Cambridge," he says.

According to the 1995 Cambridge Police Department's Annual Crime Report, combating drug activity in the Area 4 neighborhood has been one of the number one priorities of the Vice/Narcotics Unit.

The area surrounding the Bishop Allen Drive intersection in the Area 4 neighborhood produced the highest percentage of drug arrests in the city, the report stated.

Possession of marijuana was the most common drug arrest in 1995, with 66 arrests. Sale of cocaine was the second highest, with 48 arrests.

Although drug-related arrests are not counted in the violent crime index, drug crime and violent crime are closely linked, experts say.

According to attorney Richard M. Doyle Jr., "[Drugs and violence] go together, definitely. Usually, a person carries a gun because they're dealing drugs and they want to protect their stash or themselves."

Although Cambridge has seen a decline in handgun since its peak in the mid eighties, Doyle maintains that it is still worrisome.

"It's still a problem," he adds. "And it will continue to be a problem as long as there are guns on the street."

Life in a Big City

In recent months, students have become increasingly aware that living in a big city can be dangerous.

Three widely publicized assaults last fall focused student attention on campus safety.