CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Ill. – Officials announced Prairie State College (PSC) is on its way to having its own police force as soon as details between the college and the city are slightly modified.
PSC plans to create a police squad including nonsworn officers and nine sworn police officers. Once approved, the squad will then obtain jurisdictional control of the PSC campus. They will replace the Chicago Heights Police Department (CHPD).
College President Paul McCarthy said issues involving liability, lock-up facility clarifications and when certain emergency systems will be exchanged between the two departments are being worked out by attorneys.
Officials at the college expect the city to vote for the change in February. A month later, the college board will then cast their vote.
Once approved, the nonsworn officers of the nine member team will begin patrolling the campus, while the sworn officers will attend the police academy. Norman Martin, the school’s public safety director, will be in charge of the force. Martin said the force should be running one month after a consensus is reached.
During a recent board meeting, it was suggested officers participate in psychological and diversity training in order to prepare them for college campuses.
Deputy Chief Michael Camilli of the CHPD said he supports the decision for PSC to have its own armed force.
