U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Campus Security and Law Enforcement

NCJ Number
78758
Author(s)
J W Powell
Date Published
1981
Length
314 pages
Annotation
To provide guidance to campus security and law enforcement administrators, student leaders, and university administrators, this book presents a blueprint of what an effective campus security program should consist of, covering the uses of security equipment, methods of protecting students and their property, and the administrative and organizational aspects of a campus law enforcement operation.
Abstract
The author, a pioneer in the development of the campus security field, traces the history of the field from its 'campus cop' image to that of the professional, college educated public safety officer of today. He points out that the increasing numbers of theft offenses and crimes against persons (especially rape) should be of major concern to security officers. He describes and analyzes the five types of security operations currently used at colleges and universities -- low-level, watchmen-guard operations designed to protect college property, contracts with guard services or with local police departments, proprietary security departments, or proprietary police-oriented law enforcement agencies. Also discussed are the trend away from a security approach toward a law enforcement or police concept; the proper role of campus security, with emphasis on a department's need to direct its efforts toward prevention and service; the need for police authority on campus; and the question of whether to arm campus officers. The duties of the campus security director are delineated, and the selection and training of security officers, their duties, and schedules are considered. Types of campus security equipment, including patrol vehicles, mobile communications systems, and uniforms, are discussed in terms of operating and maintenance costs, hazards, and other factors. Also addressed are departmental office space requirements; reports, records, and files; residence hall security; parking and crowd control; contingency planning and emergencies; protection of valuables and facilities; and electronic protection of campus buildings. Sample forms, about 800 references, and an index are included.