More officers at private, public universities pack heat

Nearly all campus police officers at public universities now carry guns, pepper spray and other weapons, according to a new Justice Department report, and experts say more private schools are looking to arm police.

The Bureau of Justice Statistics surveyed more than 900 four-year colleges with at least 2,500 students. Findings released Tuesday show that overall, about two-thirds of public and private campuses used armed officers during the 2011-2012 school year. Officers at public universities were more than twice as likely as those at private schools to carry guns.

Despite the increase, schools aren’t required to report weapon use to federal authorities.

Experts say campus administrators are increasingly being pressed for assurances that officers are well-equipped and well-trained following high-profile crimes like the 2007 Virginia Tech shootings.

Campus Police Chief Brian McPike with University of Colorado Colorado Springs said he is not surprised to hear about the increase.

“Given the nature of our current status, and given the incidents we have had across the United States over the past several years, we want to be able to adequately protect our university,” said McPike.

Officers at UCCS are POST-certified, which means they operate at the same level as police officers in other local departments.

Each of his officers carries a Taser and a gun. He said every year his department evaluates officers’ security procedures to make sure they are on par with the state and the changing dynamics of college safety.

While there are people who opposed armed campus police officers on campus, all the students who offered their opinions Tuesday said they are in favor.

“It makes the officers more equipped for any situation so they are more able to handle anything that comes at them. They can protect us,” said student Queen Nwoke.

“Security is important here. There are a lot of young kids here that need to feel secure, need to have a safe environment. The world is a tough place, people need to be protected,” said student Steven Joyce.

“I feel comfortable, at least more protected, they can at least arm themselves with a malicious intent coming at them,” said Emily Danis.

McPike said all campus police officers at public universities in Colorado are POST-certified.