NCJ Number
208633
Journal
Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 34 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 2004 Pages: 10-12,14
Editor(s)
Karen E. Breseman
Date Published
November 2004
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article examines the decisionmaking process for colleges and universities when determining the appropriate security force to put in place, sworn officers or an unarmed security force, and determining if the unarmed security force selected will consist of in-house or privately-contracted employees.
Abstract
Deciding on what type of security force, either sworn officers or unarmed security is best-suited for a college or university rests on the institution's own distinctive requirements. There are several variables for consideration, such as crime rate, location, tradition, politics, administration preference, and function. If an institution decides that sworn police officers are not required, then an unarmed security force will most likely be the choice. The next decision to follow will be whether these officers will be in-house employees or contracted out. This article presents arguments in favor of an outside, private contractor by describing the Savannah College of Art and Design’s (SCAD) security department which consists of a contracted security force with close to 200 officers. SCAD has been recognized by students and others for its value and effectiveness. It is summarized that if a contracted security force is properly established and supervised control will not be lost, and to ensure performance, the contract should be clearly articulated as to the expectations and job performance standards, as well as penalties for performance failure.