State Rep. Donna Oberlander | Pennsylvania 63rd Legislative District
State Rep. Donna Oberlander | Pennsylvania 63rd Legislative District
The Pennsylvania House has passed a bill aimed at simplifying the hiring process for campus police officers at universities within the state System of Higher Education (PASSHE). The legislation, known as House Bill 1988, seeks to place campus police departments and officers under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers’ Education Training and Commission (MPOETC) for certification, commission, and training.
This change would enable campus officers to be employed more swiftly by state system campuses without undergoing a lengthy commissioning process through the governor and the state Department of Education. Currently, officers who complete MPOETC training can be hired immediately by municipal police departments and state-related university campuses. However, those wishing to work on state system campuses face additional steps.
“This is a simple and sensible change that will make it easier for campuses like Mansfield University to meet the public safety needs of students, faculty and staff,” stated Rep. Clint Owlett. He expressed gratitude for bipartisan support and urged quick Senate action.
Rep. Donna Oberlander highlighted that removing redundant paperwork would enhance campus safety by allowing officers to start their duties sooner. Rep. Jim Struzzi noted staffing shortages at institutions like Indiana University of Pennsylvania and emphasized the importance of advancing this legislation for better security.
House Bill 1988 also aims to ensure that recent and future law enforcement reforms automatically apply to campus police officers. Additionally, it would permit these officers to wear body cameras, enhancing accountability and public trust.
The bill now awaits consideration in the Senate.
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