What is meant by the term "public property" concerning Clery Act reporting?

The term "public property" in the context of Clery Act reporting specifically refers to locations that are adjacent to a campus and are accessible to the public, such as sidewalks, streets, and parking areas that are not owned by the institution. This is crucial for crime reporting purposes as it ensures that incidents occurring in these accessible areas are included in the institution's security and crime statistics.

Public property is distinguished from areas strictly owned or controlled by the campus, such as buildings or internal parking lots, which are subject to different reporting requirements. By including adjacent public property in reporting, the Clery Act aims to provide a more comprehensive view of campus safety and crime trends, reflecting the influence of surrounding environments on the campus community.