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Student Security: An Oxymoron?

NCJ Number
191115
Journal
Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 30 Issue: 6 Dated: November/December 2000 Pages: 25-26
Author(s)
John Carter; Ali Wicks
Date Published
November 2000
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article describes the student security program at Amherst College.
Abstract
Student security's primary function is to supervise a variety of campus events. Their responsibilities range from crowd control to checking identifications and controlling access to alcohol. In the past student security personnel had no formalized training and there was inadequate supervision. As a first step in improving the program at Amherst, a campus police officer was appointed to train and supervise students interested in becoming student monitors. Two students were chosen to share the position of lead student security monitor and 25 others were hired as monitors. The lead monitors' main tasks are scheduling, payroll, and supervising all events where there are student monitors. Training for all monitors includes how to document incidents, how to determine when to call a police officer, what authority and supervision is involved, and what resources are available. Monitors are also trained to deal with sexual harassment, sexual assault, date rape, drug use, domestic disputes, and intoxicated individuals. The approach is proactive, and emphasizes prevention. "Officer safety training" for monitors mirrors some of the training received by campus police officers.