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All but two states permit colleges and universities to have police departments. Only Oregon and Hawaii prohibit such agencies to exist. So, when the student at WOU mentioned the recent incident, what was not mentioned is that none of the state schools have police departments. There are two schools that have entered into contracts with police (OSU/OSP and UO has three Eugene police). In both instances the staffing levels are well below what is recommended by the FBI.

All school districts in Oregon are authorized to have police departments. So can ports, service districts and transit districts. Even K-12 can have PD's. I think we should be asking why colleges and universities are prohibited.

The specific Oregon Revised Statute that prevents campus police from existing is 181.610. See 12(a) and 14. I have no idea why K-12, transit and service districts can, but colleges and universities cannot.

BTW: Most schools in Oregon, including colleges and universities, permit carrying firearms on campus when the person has a concealed handgun license because of O.R.S. 166.370. The case is different for the state owned (OUS) schools which enacted Oregon Administrative Rules that forbid firearms (i.e. 571-021-0120 3c).

posted 5 years, 1 month ago
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