NCJ Number
171203
Date Published
1997
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Outsourcing is being frequently adopted by colleges and universities in an effort to operate effectively within increasing budget constraints, but problems may result when outsourcing campus law enforcement and security functions.
Abstract
Many colleges and universities conduct background investigations of employment applicants who work in positions of trust. Private businesses, however, may not exercise the necessary degree of caution and may hire employees who are not acceptable for the academic environment. Further, private businesses contracting on campus may not understand the role and function of the campus law enforcement agency and the Federal requirement for annual disclosure of crime statistics. In addition, some private businesses may use electronic security systems that do not adhere to campus standards or are monitored by an off-campus central alarm receiving station. Most private businesses contracting on campus use the educational institution's existing key system but may not adhere to the same level of key management and control as the rest of the institution. The Department of Public Safety at the University of Louisville has integrated policies into contracts that define service provider requirements related to background investigations of personnel, police jurisdiction and reporting, electronic security systems, and key management and control. These policies are included for possible use by other colleges and universities.