Carroll Community College Arms Some of its Police Officers

The Carroll County Sheriff’s Office and Carroll Community College recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing policies and responsibilities for ongoing and cooperative public safety efforts between the college and the Sheriff’s Office, according to a news release.

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.

Based on recommendations from the Sheriff's Office and the Maryland State Police, the college decided to arm its Special Police Officers. The recommendation was made after the college conducted an internal review and held discussions with the Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland State Police.

“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 in a release. 

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. The majority of the campus Special Police Officers are retired with 20 or more years of law enforcement experience with 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.