Decriminalizing Campus Chaos: A hybrid version of modern-day campus law enforcement

• In Event: Averting Crisis: Police Programs and Training

Abstract

A data-driven and evidence-based intervention was utilized to address a rise in both interpersonal violence and property crime in a diverse population on a Massachusetts community college campus. The Massasoit Community Police Chief built a database using crime mapping to identify repeat offenders, hot-spots and days and times of incidents. He then partnered with the administration to gain control of the campus through strict enforcement of the established Code of Conduct with immediate consequences. With this foundation of general deterrence, they were able to transition to a community policing approach emphasizing engagement over enforcement. The police built a campus atmosphere of trust via student connection and relationship-building. The result was a dramatic reduction in crime and a safe campus for all students. This study proposes to apply the same strategy to the high school in the same city facing similar issues, without resorting to the criminalization of normative childhood behaviors. The high school in question is the largest in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, serving over 3,500 students. The goal is behavioral elimination and deterrence without contributing to the school-to-prison pipeline.

Authors

• Aviva Rich-Shea, Massasoit Community College

• Christopher Cummings, Massasoit Community College