Update on Armed Police for CSCU Community Colleges

Today, Manchester Community College (MCC) was approved by the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities to have their on-campus Police Officers Standards Training (POST) certified officers carry firearms. The college submitted an extensive proposal for approval which included training requirements, use of force policy, active shooter policy, and campus policing procedures. Students from MCC will be notified and on-campus police will begin to carry firearms immediately.

“Manchester has satisfactorily completed the process, addressed all the required elements and demonstrated that they are prepared to maintain a safe campus environment,” said CSCU President Mark Ojakian. “Having armed security is an option for our community college campuses driven by their expressed desire to feel safe.  It is up to each campus community if they wish to go that route.”

"This approval gives our POST-Certified Police Officers the designation of a Special Police Force," said Gena Glickman, president of MCC. "We are fully supportive of the tools our police force needs to ensure the safety of our campus. The security of our students, staff, faculty and visitors is our priority."

In October of 2016, the CT Board of Regents established a formal vetting process for community colleges wishing to have armed police. As of now, Capital and Gateway Community College have submitted a proposal. Capital Community College will likely be approved soon. All four state universities (Eastern, Southern, Central and Western) have armed police officers.