Serious crimes like thefts, assaults, and burglaries are all down on the Fort Valley State University Campus.

For two years in a row students have had to worry a little less; from 2009 until now campus crimes have been nearly cut in half.

Campus Police Chief Kenneth Morgan says it has a lot to do with the friendships officers make with students.

Capt. Strickland says, he greets students. He says hello and in the process he gains somewhat of a friendship with the students.

More than a dozen police officers constantly canvass the campus grounds.

Student Cornesha Mason says, "When I'm walking to campus I see them riding in their carts."

Aytch Channecy adds, "It's pretty much the same feeling as being home. You know your safe."

Officers say stopping crimes from happening starts with building solid relationships.

"If something happens the students know that they can come to us and say 'hey this is what's going on,'" says Strickland.

Emanuel Williams says, "I see campus police just about every time I come out...any trip when I go to the cafeteria, if I go to the field, and the student center. I always see them riding around."

They're searching for anything and anyone out of the ordinary.

Chief Morgan says, "If they are going to do anything wrong surely they don't want to do it in front of police."

In order to curb crime officers beefed up parking lot checks. They also increased patrols of closed buildings.

Chief Morgans says it's all about safety for this growing campus, and it all starts will a friendly hello.