The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and Carroll Community College signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on May 20, 2013 formalizing policies and responsibilities for ongoing and cooperative public safety efforts between the college and the Sheriff’s Office.

College President Dr. Faye Pappalardo and Carroll County Sheriff Ken Tregoning said they were extremely pleased with the collaboration between the Sheriff’s Office and the college, and both are committed to the relationship between the campus and local law enforcement.

The MOU says that the College Office of Public Safety and Security will have jurisdiction for handling events occurring on the campus to include minor property crimes such as burglary and theft, as well as crimes such as alcohol violations and disorderly conduct. According to the MOU, the Sheriff’s Office will continue to have primary responsibility for crimes of violence, reports of missing persons and all controlled dangerous substance violations.

The college’s Board of Trustees approved the arming of certain campus safety personnel known as Special Police Officers, as designated by the Maryland State Police. This recommendation was made after the college conducted an internal review and held discussions with the Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland State Police. Both of these groups recommended that the college arm its Special Police Officers. This action prompted the signing of the MOU to formally establish roles and responsibilities between the college and local law enforcement.

Although the MOU lists specific functions and responsibilities of both parties, the agreement indicates that at times decisions about jurisdiction may be handled on a case by case basis as needed.

Carroll Community College recently hired Chief of Security and Safety Wayne Livesay, former Howard County Chief of Police for nine years and a 34-year veteran of the force. A majority of the college’s Special Police Officers are retired with 20 or more years of law enforcement experience carrying a firearm. Campus Special Police Officers have been and will continue to train with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, which includes firearms training.

“It is our belief that having armed Special Police Officers will better protect the college community and our officers during critical situations on campus,” said Executive Vice President of Administration Alan Schuman.

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