Private University Safety Officers May Get More Authority

Campus security officers at private universities may soon have equal authority as local law enforcement.

The University of Detroit Mercy’s public safety officers are looking to regain the ability to patrol beyond campus boundaries.

The institution’s law enforcement once had the same authority as the Detroit Police Department but was restricted to patrolling the campus in 2007.

University of Detroit Mercy Director of Public Safety Letitia [lah-TISH-ah] Williams says the extended authority would provide more officers for the surrounding neighborhood and supplemented the Detroit Police Department.

“It’s not only beneficial for our students and our employees that are here, but it’s beneficial for our neighbors, it supports our law enforcement partners, and it helps to make a stronger and safer community,” Williams says. 

A new bill in the state legislature could allow for equal authority to be restored to the University of Detroit Mercy and other private institutions.

The measure has passed in the state House and now moves to the Senate. 

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