Perceptions of University Police and Campus Safety

• In Event: Community Perspectives on Policing

Abstract

Following the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and inspired by social movements such as Black Lives Matter, students and faculty at universities across the country have called for re-envisioning of policing and school safety on college campuses with some echoing the abolitionist call to “defund” campus police. At the same time, growing concerns about crime and public safety have led others to call for increasing investment in campus police. This study analyzes sentiment towards campus police by surveying students, faculty, and staff.

Authors

• Peter Hanink, Cal Poly Pomona

• Adam Dunbar, University of Nevada, Reno