Super Cops

A new Indiana bill was recently written up to clarify an old bill put in place in the 70s detailing what authority police officers had, including police at universities.

University Police protects PUC's students and faculty, although with only 15 individuals on staff, the resources used to protect students from harm are strained.

However University Police are not alone. Besides being aided by hired security guards, Hammond Police Department (HPD) also gives a helping hand in keeping a close eye on the school. In turn, University Police does the same for HPD, sending help when the officers on the force are in need.

University Police would not be able to return the favor to HPD if they were not officially recognized as police officers, Anthony Martin, PUC's chief of police, said.

Wally Hummel, a prior student of PUC, asked why PUC even hires security guards. Hummel thinks PUC would be better off if they just hired city officers instead.

"Private security doesn't have the same authority as police officers for a reason. It just seems ridiculous," Hummel said.

Candace Brown, junior child and family services student, said University Police should only enforce the law and rules on campus. However, Brown does believe the University Police should have the same authority as regular officers because a situation might call for it off campus.

Scott Knipe, junior electrical and computer engineering technology's student, agreed the University Police should stay on PUC's campus only.

Martin said all police officers, including those working for universities, must have the sufficient amount of training, education and fitness requirements to remain an officer.

All of this, along with the old bill, combines to a single fact whether someone is speeding through SUL parking lot or down Calumet Avenue, University Police have just as much authority and right to pull them over and ticket them as HPD. The new bill will not give university officers any more authority than they already currently hold. All it is meant to do, at this point in time, is to clarify what the previous bill stated, Martin said.

It has yet to be seen if the clarifications will have any direct impact on the university, though it is unlikely to. University Police intend to keep their focus primarily on the campus and its surrounding neighborhoods, even though they have the authority to enforce the law elsewhere.