College students in New York City are facing a new reality – the need for personal bodyguards. A concerned father from Maryland recently hired a “security consultant” to keep a close eye on his 19-year-old daughter, who is a freshman at New York University in Greenwich Village. The father, a 52-year-old real estate investor, expressed his worries about the rising crime rates in the city and wanted to ensure his daughter’s safety in the bustling metropolis.

The father, who chose to remain anonymous, mentioned that NYU was his daughter’s top choice for college, making it even more important for him to take precautions. He believed that providing her with the necessary information about safe areas and potential risks was crucial, especially for a young person navigating a new city on their own for the first time. To achieve this, he decided to hire a security consultant to help his daughter safely explore the five boroughs of New York City.

After an extensive search, the father hired an experienced female private investigator for the job. While he did not disclose her exact pay, typical rates for such a position in NYC can exceed $50 per hour. The consultant’s role would involve keeping a close watch on the daughter, providing information about active emergency situations in the city, guiding her on safe routes, and building a trusting relationship through shared interests like yoga or Pilates.

The father’s concerns about his daughter’s safety are not unfounded. Crime rates in and around NYU campuses have been on the rise in recent years. In 2024 alone, there have been 771 reported criminal incidents across NYU’s various locations, marking a 27% increase from the previous year. Incidents include robberies, felony assaults, and rapes, with the majority occurring in student housing facilities on the Village campus.

Despite a 14% decrease in overall crime in the NYPD’s 6th Precinct, which covers NYU’s Village campus, hate crimes and sex crimes have seen an increase. This has raised further concerns among students and parents about safety in the area. A recent incident involving an NYU softball player being groped while jogging in Chelsea highlighted the need for increased vigilance and security measures.

In light of these statistics, the father’s decision to hire a security consultant for his daughter has garnered mixed reactions from the NYU community. While some students support the protective measure, others find it excessive but understandable given the current circumstances. With safety concerns looming, it is essential for students to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, especially in high-risk areas like Washington Square Park.

As the father continues to prioritize his daughter’s safety, the presence of a security consultant may provide an added layer of protection and peace of mind in an increasingly uncertain environment. Ultimately, the goal is to equip young adults with the necessary tools and information to make informed decisions and navigate the city safely.