New College and University Standards

During the November 2010 meeting of CALEA Commissioners, fifteen new standards were developed that are applicable only to college and university law enforcement agencies. These standards have been included in the Standards for Law Enforcement Agencies Manual as new Chapters 18 and 91. These standards are not applicable to law enforcement agencies serving in other venues. 

Since the implementation of these standards, questions have arisen concerning the definition of "Medical Centers" and "Research Intensive Facilities". The following staff interpretations are offered to assist in identifying those facilities and to provide direction in the development of associated directives to support compliance with the standards.

It is always important to remember that some CALEA Standards are conditional in structure. To that end, standards that begin with the words if, when, or in the absence of some controlling doctrine qualify as conditional standards. As an example, consider the following new standard:

91.2.1 If a college/university agency has a medical center within its jurisdiction, a written directive governs the agency's role and responsibility in providing public safety services for the facility.

(CALEA Standards for Law Enforcement Agencies)

Simply stated, if a college or university does not have a medical center within its jurisdiction, the agency can make this standard N/A by Function.There is no requirement to create a policy to meet the standard if the agency does not have this type of facility within its geographical jurisdiction.

For the purpose of CALEA Standards, "medical center" is any facility that provides medical services. This includes hospitals, emergency facilities or any other medical services operating within the agency's jurisdiction.The purpose of this standard is to ensure staff is aware of duties associated with any response to these types of facilities. Often these types of facilities require special consideration when developing public safety policy.Although there are many ways to meet this standard; generally, good policy development around this standard will include discussions with administrators of the medial centers to promote common understandings and awareness about organizational capacities and purpose.

The term "research intensive facility" is also included in the newly released Standards for Law Enforcement Agencies - 91.3.1.This terminology was left broad intentionally to address the many types of high risk research that can occur on college and university campuses. The various types of research being conducted in these venues might include medical, animal, bio-chemistry research, nuclear, or any other type of facility that houses high-risk substances or tools. Agencies should ensure that they are aware of the general risk potential these types of facilities present and other criminal risks that could result from their existence.  Agencies should adjust their directives to address threats that exist as a result of these types of facilities within the jurisdiction. The key is awareness to hazards and risks that can affect staff, first responders and the public.

As the implementation of these new standards matures, staff will be sure to share examples of their applicability, as well as sample policies that may assist agencies in coming into compliance. Agency representatives should also consider using the CALEA Forum II for discussing these new standards with other applicable agencies. 

If further questions arise concerning the applicability of these standards, agency representatives should consult with their respective CALEA Program Manager.