NCJ Number
192984
Journal
Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 31 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 2001 Pages: 25-26
Date Published
2001
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the need to properly train security at the Nation’s colleges and universities.
Abstract
There are no defined standards in the training of campus security. Campus security is not required to undergo criminal background checks and there are no standards of training; it is up to the directors of safety departments to find training for their officers. But this is not the correct way to view security; the proper training of security personnel is a necessity not a luxury. When Chief Tom Evans became Director of the Department of Public Safety at Drew University it became apparent that the job was more difficult and challenging than police work. In order to set training standards, officers at Drew University attend class for level one officers at county police academies. This training allows officers to learn many different skills needed to deal responsibly with a population of college students. In New Jersey, there are laws under Title 18 that allow campus security to become full time police officers. This is not the right course for many campuses because an adversarial relationship between public safety and students results. But choosing this course places powerful tools in the hands of officers. There may he a middle ground, however. If Title 18 were amended so that public safety officers were established as legitimate peace officers with limited police powers, such as the power to enforce motor vehicle laws as well as disorderly conduct, trespassing, and the power to investigate theft of property up to $5,000, many problems would be eliminated. In summary, it is imperative that campus public safety departments establish professional standards, create professional departments, and attempt to give officers limited police powers.