NCJ Number
46378
Journal
JOURNAL OF THE COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY PERSONNEL ASSOCIATION Volume: 27 Issue: 2 Dated: (APRIL/MAY 1976) Pages: 40-74
Date Published
1976
Length
35 pages
Annotation
AN INNOVATIVE PROJECT AT THE RUTGERS STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY, DESIGNED TO SENSITIZE UNIVERSITY POLICE AND THE STUDENT AND FACULTY POPULATION TO EACH OTHERS' NEEDS, AND THE RESULTANT POLICE HANDBOOK ARE DESCRIBED.
Abstract
THE PROJECT AROSE OUT OF A NEED TO RECONCILE THE HANDLING OF AN INCREASING INCIDENCE OF SERIOUS CRIME ON AN URBAN CAMPUS WITH THE INEVITABLE OBJECTIONS TO POLICE PRESENCE ARISING FROM THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY. THIS PROBLEM WAS INTENSIFIED BY THE FACT THAT RUTGERS HAS THREE MAIN CAMPUSES, EACH WITH A DIVERSE STUDENT POPULATION AND WITH DIFFERENT POLICING PROBLEMS. IN 1970 THE STATE PASSED LEGISLATION PERMITTING UNIVERSITIES TO MAINTAIN POLICE FORCES. IN 1975 THE RUTGERS' BOARD OF GOVERNORS RULED THAT CAMPUS POLICE WERE TO BE ARMED AT ALL TIMES WHEN ON DUTY EXCEPT DURING DEMONSTRATIONS. AN ALLEGED INCIDENT OF POLICE BRUTALITY TOWARD TWO MINORITY GROUP STUDENTS EMPHATICALLY DEMONSTRATED THE NEED FOR GREATER MUTUAL SENSITIVITY ON THE PART OF CAMPUS POLICE AND THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY. THROUGH RESEARCH PLUS THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT, THE OFFICES OF THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY PERSONNEL, THE VICE PRESIDENT FOR PUBLIC SAFETY, AND THE EMPLOYMENT COUNSEL A UNIQUE MANUAL, 'THE UNIVERSITY POLICE OFFICER'S HANDBOOK', WAS PUBLISHED IN 1975. THE HANDBOOK EMPHASIZES THE SPECIAL NATURE OF THE ACADEMIC SETTING AS IT AFFECTS THE AGENCY'S PROTECTIVE ROLE AND PROVIDES GUIDANCE FOR POLICE ON A NUMBER OF CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES. STUDENT SUPPORT AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE CAMPUS POLICE HAS BEEN STRONG. DESPITE SHRINKING BUDGETS THE INCIDENCE OF CRIME ON CAMPUS DURING 1975 ROSE ONLY 5 PERCENT, COMPARED WITH AN 11 PERCENT INCREASE STATEWIDE. THE COMPLETE TEXT OF THE HANDBOOK IS REPRODUCED. IT DELINEATES POLICE PROCEDURES FOR SUSPECT CONFRONTATION, SUSPECT IDENTIFICATION, ARREST, SEARCH INCIDENT TO ARREST, INTERROGATION, SEARCH AND SEIZURE, REGULATIONS AFFECTING STUDENTS, POLICIES AFFECTING STUDENTS RELEVANT TO DRUGS, DISRUPTIONS, AND ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, AND CITATIONS FOR RELEVANT NEW JERSEY STATUTES. THE HANDBOOK IS A SOFT-COVER, POCKET-SIZE, LOOSELEAF NOTEBOOK AND CONTAINS THE MIRANDA WARNING IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH INSIDE THE COVER. (JAP)