President Kevin O’Brien, S.J. Endorses Campus Safety Audit Recommendations

CSS to transition under the auspices of the Division of Student Life

President Kevin O’Brien, S.J. updated the SCU community in an email on Feb. 12 that he endorses all of the recommendations from the Campus Safety Services (CSS) Audit Report, and will begin the transition of CSS to the Division of Student Life on March 1.

The recommendations, made by Judge LaDoris Cordell, revolve around a “reimagined” CSS department, with student wellness is placed at the epicenter of their mission. A few of the recommendations include revision of the current trespass policy, elimination of the use of handcuffs and military style uniforms, an anti-bias training requirement, and the inclusion of mental health professionals in the department’s on-site response team. The reimagined CSS Department would require a minimum of an A.A. degree or equivalent education for all hires.

Judge Cordell also recommended that room searches by CSS officers be eliminated completely. 

President Kevin O’Brien, S.J.’s email noted that the recommendation regarding room searches will require additional examination stating, “The discontinuation of room searches by Campus Safety Services requires careful planning to ensure that an alternative process is in place if/when a room search is warranted.” The decision on how to alter room searches will be considered early on  in the transition.

“In terms of room searches, I feel that this should be something conducted by other people instead of campus safety,” said Senior Jocelyn Chi, Associate Director of the Santa Clara Community Action Program (SCCAP). “For example I feel that someone like [Community Facilitators (CFs)] would be more appropriate instead of implementing campus safety.”

Chi also added that she believes current CSS staff should be re-evaluated, as new management in the Division of Student Life doesn’t necessarily solve the internal issues of their department.

Students and staff were able to offer their insight throughout the feedback process. One suggestion that resulted was the institution of a Campus Safety Advisory Board. This recommendation and others will be shared with Vice Provost Jeanne Rosenberger to be considered for implementation.

The administration has looked to other universities like the University of San Francisco and St. Mary’s College Campus Safety as models for the reimagined department, as they have adopted similar strategies for establishing safety and building trust among their communities.

The email emphasized that the goal of implementing the recommendations is so that, “Campus Safety Services staff are viewed not as enforcers but as partners in student development and care for the entire community.”

“I acknowledge there is much work ahead both in implementing the recommendations and restoring relationships,” said President President Kevin O’Brien, S.J. “But this is labor well spent so we can realize the community we want to be.”

The current framework for the transition is from March 1 to July 1.