GRAYSLAKE, Ill. – The College of Lake County’s (CLC) college board is considering a measure that would establish an official CLC Police Department and arm its officers.
Currently, 12 sworn law enforcement officers carry pepper spray and batons. The proposal also calls for a policy for use of deadly force and a review of emergency plans. If passed, all CLC campuses would be affected.
Supporters contend the proposal has nothing to do with the recent massacre on the Virginia Tech campus. It was approved by CLC’s governance coordinating council earlier this month. Made up of classified staff, specialists, faculty and students, the council must approve a measure before it is reviewed by the college board.
Criminal justice professor Thomas Arnold, who unsuccessfully submitted the proposal in 1999, says it would also protect the college from liability.
According to a Daily Herald report, a growing number of suburban community colleges in the area have armed their officers, including Glen Ellyn-based College of DuPage, Elgin Community College and Harper College in Palatine.
