Developing a Comprehensive Campus Security Program: A Case of Schoolcraft College

College campus security is a dynamic and challenging issue for institutions of higher education and their leaders. Numerous threats to campus safety and security dictate the need for campus security or law enforcement departments to respond successfully to these threats. Colleges throughout the United States have incorporated a multitude of security measures to address these threats but few colleges have a comprehensive campus security program that integrates best practices and prepares colleges to effectively and efficiently handle the liability and risks that come with a wide array of security issues.
The program design in this dissertation is derived from qualitative research during a case study of one Michigan community college, research into the campus security measures at the remaining Michigan community colleges, and research into campus security responses at colleges throughout the United States. The outcomes of this research were used to identify a best practices model for a comprehensive campus security program including numerous security measures, necessary program leadership, personnel assignment and accountability, implementation and training plans, program maintenance, and evaluation of program effectiveness and efficiency.
The program design in this dissertation focuses on program leadership, a program development team, facility infrastructure, equipment, technology, communication and personnel allocation. A large part of this comprehensive campus security program includes dedicating resources to meet stakeholders needs, to meet state and federal mandates, and to encourage collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to resolve campus safety and security issues.