The University of Idaho, a school of 12,286 enrolled students, does not have a police department of its own. Although there are many security measures put in place to ensure the safety of the school, it’s uncommon for a university of its size to not have an established department.
While UI does not have a police department in its name, there is an established contract with the Moscow Police Department that works in partnership to keep both the town and campus safe.
Steve Mills, the Executive Director of the Office of Public Safety, Security and Parking, explains that the difference between a PD and campus security is in relation to state law.
“The principal difference between a campus security team and a police department is statutory authority. Members of a campus security team, specifically UI Vandal Security, are not police officers; therefore, they do not have the powers and authorities prescribed by law that peace officers have,” Mills said. “This means that observations involving student conduct are reported to the Dean of Students Office, and potential criminal or otherwise suspicious behaviors are reported to the Moscow Police Department, Latah County Sheriff’s Office, or Idaho State Police as appropriate.”
Like UI, Boise State University also lacks a police department of their own. Rather, they partner with the Boise Police Department to provide security for their students. Idaho State University on the other hand, although also lacking a department exclusive to their school, has Public Safety Officers that remain armed while on campus.
When asked why there is a contracted relationship with the MPD and not a university led department, Mills mentioned that there’s a lack of qualification from the university that prevents the establishment of a PD.
“The partnership between the University of Idaho and the Moscow Police Department places uniformed peace officers on campus, specifically for campus,” Mills said. “Under Idaho Administrative Code a university is not an Agency and therefore cannot submit a peace officer candidate to Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training for certification; certification of peace officers is a critical component to standing up a sworn police department.”
Not having an established campus police force doesn’t equate to a lack of security measures, however. With programs like the Office of Public Safety and Security, the Campus Safety Team, and the ongoing contract with the Moscow Police Department, the university has a number of safety outlets. Each works together to provide services to ensure student security.
“Issues related to infrastructure, research activities, occupant protection and emergency response are elements of institutional safety that demand a well-coordinated effort by these programs,” according to the Office of Public Safety’s website.
“The University of Idaho has no plans to create a police force in the future as Idaho Administrative Code does not authorize the certification of officers employed by the UI,” Mills said.
Paige Wilton can be reached at [email protected].