A small college in Massachusetts announced it will transition from a campus police force to a private security firm in a letter sent to the campus community Dec. 14.
Dean College will implement the change on Dec. 18 just before students leave for winter break, according to boston.cbslocal.com.
One current campus police officer said the school is making the change because the current police force is attempting to unionize, but school officials said the move has been in the works for several months. Officials said the private security group offers “21st century security tools and cutting-edge technology needed to better protect all members of our Dean community.”
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TeamOps, the firm chosen to replace the campus police force, provides security at special events and for the New England Patriots. The firm will not have arrest powers and will have to call the Franklin Police Department in order to arrest anyone.
Dean College’s enrollment is 1,200 and its current police force is made up of 18 officers.
