NCJ Number
197312
Journal
Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 32 Issue: 4 Dated: July/August 2002 Pages: 26-27
Date Published
July 2002
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article profiles the specialized style of campus policing that flows from providing security for a distinctive type of community and jurisdiction.
Abstract
Campus policing differs from other policing of limited jurisdictions because it involves dealing with two systems of justice. Not only do campus police deal with the criminal justice system of magistrates, prosecutors, and judges; they must also deal with a university system of justice, a dean of students, student affairs, and a judicial board composed of faculty, staff, and students. This board dispenses justice in the form of internal sanctions. Discretion is an essential element of all police work, including campus policing. The campus community consists of youth who are diverse in race and culture, and the informal use of discretion by campus police is appropriate when addressing minor student infractions. When responding to serious crimes on campus, however, campus officers should act as would public police. This includes an investigation, reporting, and possibly criminal justice processing of suspects. Unlike public police agencies, campus security departments are mandated by Federal law to compile and submit uniform crime reports to the U.S. Department of Education. This mandate is intended to provide students, potential students, faculty, staff, and others the information necessary to make informed decisions concerning their safety on campuses. Also, the constituents of the campus community are constantly changing as students come and go. This requires continuing education regarding campus security rules and procedures, as well as instruction on measures designed to promote personal and community safety. 3 references