Following recent student protests, Columbia University appointed 36 new special patrol officers. These appointments came after a series of incidents involving pro-Palestinian protesters, including an unauthorized tent setup and a barricade inside an academic building.
NYPD Commissioner Approves the Appointments
As a result, the university turned to the New York Police Department. Columbia requested peace officers from the NYPD commissioner last year to help manage campus security.
Consequently, the commissioner approved the appointments. These officers will now operate under the NYPD’s authority.
Officers Gain Full Police Powers
According to Columbia spokesperson Samantha Slater, the officers went through the NYPD’s application process. They qualified under New York State’s Peace Officers law.
This law allows individuals or institutions to request NYPD appointments for their employees. Once appointed, they receive full powers of arrest and can use physical force like regular police officers.
“Columbia has individuals that meet the other requirements in the law such as a lengthy training program and have gone through the NYPD’s application process,” said Slater.
Officers Must Follow Police Rules
Moreover, Slater said the officers must obey NYPD rules and follow the police commissioner’s orders. New York City’s administrative code outlines these requirements. The officers must conform to the NYPD’s discipline and chain of command.
Columbia Pays for Training and Salaries
Under city law, Columbia funds the officers’ training and salaries. However, the university clarified that these officers remain Columbia employees. They are not on NYPD payroll, even though they have the same responsibilities and powers as NYPD patrol officers.
Furthermore, the officers must report any summonses they issue. They must also take anyone they arrest to the local NYPD precinct.
Arrests Handled Through Campus Office
Initially, arrests will be processed at a Columbia campus office, located about 20 blocks from the main Manhattan campus. Afterward, the detainees will be transferred to the precinct.
Columbia Clarifies Their Role
Following media reports, Slater clarified the officers’ employment status. She emphasized that Columbia hires, selects, and funds these officers. Though appointed by the NYPD, they are not NYPD officers.
Officers Will Patrol Private Campus Areas
In addition, an NYPD spokesperson confirmed that the officers will be unarmed. According to Columbia, each officer must complete 162 hours of state-certified training before being sworn in by the commissioner.
Once sworn in, they will patrol Columbia’s privately owned buildings, plazas, and lawns. These areas are typically off-limits to regular NYPD officers unless called in.
