Columbia University has hired 36 new special patrol officers, as announced this week. These officers are appointed by the New York Police Department (NYPD) and will follow orders from the police commissioner.
The decision came after some student protesters, who support Palestine, set up an unauthorized tent and blocked themselves inside a building on campus. Columbia’s leaders asked for these special officers to help maintain order after calling the NYPD twice for assistance.
A spokesperson for Columbia, Samantha Slater, explained that the new officers went through the NYPD’s hiring process and met New York state’s laws for peace officers. This means they will have the same powers as regular police officers, including making arrests and using physical force if necessary.
Slater said Columbia is responsible for paying these officers, but they will still report to the NYPD and have similar responsibilities. Any arrests will happen at a campus office before detainees are taken to the local NYPD station.
After a question about their status, Slater clarified that these officers are university employees and will be unarmed. They must undergo 162 hours of training and be official by the police commissioner. Once ready, they will patrol Columbia’s buildings and grounds, areas where regular NYPD officers usually do not go.
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