Fostering a Positive Relationship Between Universities and Law Enforcement
The relationship between law enforcement agencies and American tertiary education institutions has been intricate and dynamic throughout history. This relationship has evolved from campus security to civil rights protests, reflecting broader societal shifts in attitudes towards policing and authority. Today, as seen in the recent sit-ins protesting the Israel-Palestine conflict, this relationship is once again under scrutiny, highlighting the legal complexities and changing perceptions of law enforcement within the academic sphere.
What Are Campus Police?
Historically, law enforcement agencies have maintained a presence on college and university campuses primarily for security purposes. Campus police departments were established to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff. They respond to incidents ranging from theft to violence.
Campus police are sworn officers with the authority to enforce federal, state, and local laws, in addition to campus-specific policies. They can arrest suspects and carry firearms. It is essential to distinguish these officers from campus security departments that employ non-sworn staff for peacekeeping, community projects, and safety patrolling.
Campus law enforcement faces similar responsibilities and challenges as local municipal police. They must ensure the safety of all community members while operating within the policies and protocols of educational institutions that value freedom of expression and do not restrict campus access.
A Contentious History
However, these departments have also been involved in more contentious issues, such as the policing of protests and demonstrations. One significant historical event that shaped the relationship between law enforcement and higher education was the student protests of the 1960s. During this period, campuses became hotbeds of activism, with students advocating for civil rights, opposing the Vietnam War, and demanding greater academic freedom.
Law enforcement's response to these protests varied, often leading to clashes and arrests. The Kent State shootings in 1970, where the Ohio National Guard killed four students during an anti-war protest, underscored the tensions between authorities and university communities.
The Current Climate
In recent years, attitudes towards law enforcement have undergone significant shifts. High-profile cases of police brutality and racial profiling have sparked nationwide protests and calls for police reform. The Black Lives Matter movement, in particular, has brought attention to systemic racism within law enforcement agencies and highlighted the need for accountability and transparency.
Against this backdrop, the sit-ins and protests at American universities in response to the Israel-Palestine conflict underscore the delicate balance between upholding the right to peaceful assembly and ensuring campus safety. The arrests of over a hundred Columbia University students highlight the legal complexities involved when institutions of higher learning become arenas for political activism.
The protests raise questions regarding free speech, academic freedom, and the limits of campus security's authority. Universities must navigate these complexities while upholding students' rights to express their views in a safe and respectful environment.
Shaping Students' Views on Law Enforcement
Jim Gilbride, a veteran municipal police officer turned campus police officer with the University of Akron Police Department, feels “campus cops have an unprecedented opportunity to impact students’ perception of the broader law enforcement community.” In an article published online on Police1.com, Gilbride says campus law enforcement officers can demonstrate their commitment to their communities by recognizing and responding to their unique needs as follows:
Specialized Nature—Campus policing is a specialized field within law enforcement, distinct from municipal policing, and should be embraced to impact students' perceptions positively.
Community Expectations—Campus police must balance safety with community expectations, often prioritizing education and prevention over arrests, especially for minor infractions such as alcohol offenses.
Academic Mission—Campus police contribute to the academic mission by providing a safe environment and mentoring students, helping them learn to interact with their community.
Positive Interactions—Campus police officers can mentor and coach students by engaging them in various campus activities, fostering positive perceptions of law enforcement.
The article emphasizes the unique role that campus police have in shaping students' views on law enforcement through their interactions and responses to the needs of the campus community.
Tertiary Education’s Role in Improving Policing Services
However, educational institutions can also play a role in shaping law enforcement activities and attitudes. Community engagement efforts should include universities and colleges as vital partners in fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Activities could include the following:
Training and Education—Collaborate with academic institutions to provide training programs for law enforcement officers on topics such as de-escalation techniques, cultural competency, and implicit bias. Engage faculty and students in developing and delivering these programs to ensure they are relevant and practical.
Community Policing Initiatives—Implement community policing initiatives prioritizing building trust and relationships between law enforcement agencies and university communities. Encourage officers to participate in outreach activities, such as campus events, workshops, and forums, to engage with students, faculty, and staff in non-confrontational settings.
Transparency and Accountability—Work with universities to establish mechanisms for greater transparency and accountability within campus police departments. This may include creating civilian oversight boards, conducting regular audits of department policies and practices, and ensuring thorough investigations of complaints or misconduct allegations.
Conflict Resolution and Mediation—Provide resources and support for conflict resolution and mediation efforts to resolve disputes or tensions between law enforcement and university stakeholders. Foster open dialogue and constructive engagement to address concerns and find mutually beneficial solutions.
In conclusion, the relationship between law enforcement and American tertiary education institutions has historically been complex, shaped by societal norms, legal frameworks, and evolving attitudes towards policing. As universities grapple with issues of free speech, campus security, and community engagement, it is essential to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to foster positive relationships and promote a safe and inclusive environment for all university community members.