Campus Law Enforcement Authority Policy

Responsible Unit: Security | Executive lead: CIO
Created: 2013 | Reviewed/Revised: 10/2015, 02/2016, 11/2022 | Effective: 12/15/2022 
Compliance: 34 CFR Section 668.46(b)(12), Clery Act, NWCCU 2.I.1, COCA 4.2, CAPTE 3E, CAPTE 5C 
Approving Body: PAC | Classification: Institution wide 

Policy:  
Determining law enforcement authority for the PNWU campus is directed by state and local law enforcement codes and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). Limited campus law enforcement authority is granted to PNWU Campus Security. As such, PNWU security personnel act as agents for the University itself. PNWU security personnel do not have arrest powers; all criminal incidents are referred to local law enforcement, that being the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, which has jurisdiction on and adjacent to the PNWU campus.  
 
PNWU Campus Security is granted authority to: 

  • Monitor and record, via local law enforcement agencies, any criminal activity involving a PNWU student conducting business or acting through a recognized student club or organization off-campus. 
  • Review and enforce orders of protection, “no-contact” orders, restraining orders, or similar lawful orders issued by any court or by the University. Violations shall be reported to local law enforcement. 
  • Require students and employees to comply with directives of campus security, law enforcement agencies, and any other University officials. 
  • Ask persons for identification and to determine whether individuals have lawful business at PNWU campus sites. 
  • Enforce University policy, rules, and regulations as well as local, state, and federal laws, and report criminal violations to the proper authorities.  

Crime victims and witnesses are strongly encouraged to immediately report all criminal activity to the appropriate police agencies and PNWU security personnel. Prompt reporting will ensure timely warning notices of campus crime and assist in full disclosure of crime statistics. 

Definitions:  
N/A 

Procedure:  
N/A 

Related Documents: 
Law enforcement contacts available on the Campus Security page of PNWU.edu 


Policy Resources

For assistance with policies and procedures contact:

Lori Fulton
lfulton@pnwu.edu