MCC To Initiate Full Time Law Enforcement Agency

McHenry County College campus will be transitioning from the Campus Public Safety and Security Department to a MCC Law Enforcement Agency. That was the decision of the Board of Trustees at Thursday's meeting. However, it was not a unanimous decision. Trustees Lowe, Larson, DeWitt and Miller voted for approval. Parrish was against it and Walters recuesed herself because of a relationship with someone involved in the issue. Kurtz was absent.

The basic reason for the decision was to be able to have immediate access to police officers if needed. Also to be able to have access to records without having to go through a police department. It was also pointed out that Crystal Lake Police sometimes cannot provide information to the MCC Campus Security people because they are not part of a police department.

The topic has been before the Board previously without taking action. Parrish argued that there is technology available to provide immediate access to information needed. However, head of the MCC Campus Security reported he was not aware of any type of technology that could be used for this purpose.

The transition will take between four to six months to ensure that the appropriate training and resources are in place. The move allows campus police officers to respond immediately to incidents of an urgent nature as they arise without waiting for outside law enforcement personnel to arrive on the scene. Because they are familiar with the campus environment, these officers would also have discretion in procedures for handling incidents that may be unique to MCC. This applies to the Crystal Lake campus as well as the McHenry Shah Center Campus.

Another key benefit of this department transition is quicker access to criminal and intelligence databases, such as L.E.A.D.S. (Law Enforcement Agency Data System), allowing campus police officers to properly investigate potential threats or other issues, as well as check vehicle registrations or conduct background checks, if needed.

“These are changing times that require the College to assess its ability to properly respond to campus emergencies,” said Michael Clesceri, director of Campus Public Safety and Security. “The Board’s decision is a prudent step toward further protecting the students, faculty and staff,” he said.

A 2009 amendment to the Illinois Community College Act authorizes community college distrcits to appiont both law enforcement and non-law enforcement officers to their security forces. This is in the wake of an increase in college campus violence nationally that has caused community colleges in Illinois to make changes to have sworn police officers.

In an unofficial survey of a handfull of students, Student Representative, Cody Sheriff reported that 73 favored a full time force, 23 were opposed and 11 were not sure.