Community college considers police force | News

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Leaders of Cape Fear
Community College started the
process to take the law into their own hands, so to speak.

The possibility of the college having its own police force
began Tuesday when the Board of Trustees authorized staff to research the cost
and other information. This is only the first step in a process that could take
several years to complete, according to CFCC spokesperson David Hardin.

"There are quite a few levels of approval that need to
happen before anyone starts patrolling," he said.

The college already contracts with the company G4S for
security guards. The contracted workers cannot arrest anyone, only detain
someone until police arrive.

"Our own officers would provide a quicker response to
incidents on campus," Hardin said.

There are more benefits, according to information provided
to the board Tuesday, like more direct control over officers and on-campus
training for them.

Both Wilmington Police and New Hanover County Sheriff's
Office provide one resource officer to the downtown Wilmington campus and north
campus in Castle Hayne respectively. Hardin said both organizations are behind
the idea of CFCC's own agency.

The need for security guards would slowly shrink as the
potential police force grows. Before that, the board of trustees need to give
final approval for the plan.

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