UI Lacks Own Police Department, Relies on Moscow PD Partnership
## university of Idaho Relies on City Police for Campus Security
The University of Idaho, home too over 12,000 students, stands out among its peers by not having its own police department. While this might seem unusual for a university of its size, a unique partnership with the Moscow Police Department (MPD) ensures campus safety.
Steve Mills,Executive Director of the Office of Public Safety,Security and parking,explains the key difference between campus security and a customary police department lies in legal authority.
“members of our Vandal Security team are not police officers and don’t have the same powers as those prescribed by law,” Mills said. “So, while we report student conduct issues to the Dean of Students Office, any potential criminal activity is directed to the MPD, Latah County Sheriff’s Office, or Idaho State Police.”
This model isn’t unique to the University of Idaho. Boise State University also relies on the Boise Police department for campus security.However, Idaho State University, while lacking a dedicated police department, employs armed Public Safety Officers.
Mills highlighted that Idaho administrative Code prevents the University of Idaho from establishing its own police force.
“Under current regulations,a university isn’t classified as an ‘Agency’ and therefore can’t submit candidates for peace officer certification through the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training program,” Mills explained. “This certification is essential for creating a sworn police department.”
Despite the absence of a university-run police force,the University of Idaho prioritizes student safety through various measures. The Office of Public Safety and Security, the Campus Safety Team, and the ongoing partnership with the MPD work together to provide a secure environment.
“The University of idaho has no plans to create a police force in the future due to the limitations outlined in Idaho Administrative Code,” Mills confirmed.
University of Idaho Relies on City Police for Campus Security
Moscow, ID: The University of Idaho, home to over 12,000 students, takes an unconventional approach to campus security by relying on the Moscow Police Department (MPD) rather than maintaining its own police force. This unique partnership ensures the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff.
Steve Mills, Executive Director of the Office of Public safety, Security, and Parking, explained the key distinction between the university’s security team and a conventional police department lies in legal authority.
“Members of our Vandal Security team are not police officers and don’t have the same powers prescribed by law,” Mills said. “So, while we report student conduct issues to the Dean of Students Office, any potential criminal activity is directed to the MPD, Latah County Sheriff’s Office, or Idaho State Police.”
This model isn’t exclusive to the University of Idaho. Boise State University also partners with the Boise Police Department for campus security. Idaho State University, while lacking a dedicated police department, employs armed Public safety Officers.
Mills emphasized that Idaho Administrative Code prohibits the University of Idaho from establishing its own police force.
“Under current regulations, a university isn’t classified as an ‘Agency’ and therefore can’t submit candidates for peace officer certification through the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training program,” Mills explained.”This certification is essential for creating a sworn police department.”
Despite this limitation,the University of Idaho remains committed to student safety through various measures. The Office of Public Safety and security, the Campus Safety Team, and the ongoing partnership with the MPD work collaboratively to provide a secure environment.
“The University of Idaho has no plans to create a police force in the future due to the limitations outlined in Idaho Administrative code,” Mills confirmed.