SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6297

BYSenator Smitherman

Requiring armed police forces for institutions of higher education.

Senate Committee on Higher Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 16, 1990

Senate Staff:Scott Huntley (786-7421)

AS OF JANUARY 10, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Many studies and reports, both in this state and across the nation, have shown increasing levels of criminal activity on campuses of institutions of higher education.  Recent serious crime incidents in Washington, including a double murder on the University of Washington campus, have highlighted the campus safety issue in this state.

In this state each of the public four-year institutions have the authority to establish campus police forces.  All of these institutions, with the exception of The Evergreen State College, have established a fully trained and commissioned police force for its campus (Western Washington University is in the process of re-creating its commissioned police force).  The community colleges do not have the authority to create such a police force for their respective campuses. 

SUMMARY:

The boards of regents and trustees of the state universities, regional universities, and The Evergreen State College shall each establish a fully commissioned police force for its own institution.

The boards of trustees of each of the community colleges may  establish a fully commissioned police force its own institution.

The members of police forces established by state institutions of higher education shall be general authority peace officers of the state as defined in statute.  Such police force members shall be subject to the education and training requirements for law enforcement personnel established under Chapter 43.101 RCW.

The boards of trustees of community college districts are granted the same authority as presently exercised by the boards of state four-year institutions regarding parking and vehicular traffic upon lands and facilities of the colleges.  The community college boards are granted the same authority as presently exercised by the boards of the state four-year institutions concerning the provision of death, disability, or injury benefits for any duly sworn police officer employed by a community college under the provisions of this act.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 8, 1990