CLC approves arming campus security

They have badges, pepper spray and batons, and by Oct. 1, security guards at the College of Lake County will carry guns.

The CLC board of trustees Tuesday unanimously approved converting its campus safety department to a police department, ending nearly 10 years of discussion at the school whether campus officers should be armed.

"Obviously this is a difficult decision for all of us," said Trustee Patricia Jones. "I agree, guns won't necessarily prevent what happens, but I also understand the need for change. I feel this is a no-win situation."

Approval is contingent on the campus security department presenting trustees with a revised use of force policy before the conversion in October.

CLC will join a growing number of suburban community colleges that arm officers, including the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Elgin Community College and Harper College in Palatine.

Kevin Lowry, director of CLC's campus security, estimates the change will cost an additional $200 for each of the school's 14 officers, per year for liability insurance for an armed officer and $18,000 for psychological testing, firearms purchase and training, and new badges.

Officers will receive firearms training four times per year.

Lowry said Tuesday he was happy the board's decision was unanimous.

"Their vote shows they care about the community and the security of the college community," Lowry said.

CLC revisited the proposal last year, and it was green-lighted by the school's Governance Coordinating Council.

The council is made up of classified staff, specialists, faculty and students. Only the students voted against arming officers, but they have since changed their minds. During a special Student Government Association meeting held in March, students voted in favor of arming officers.

The school has a mutual aid agreement with the police departments where their campuses are located. Lowry said those agreements would continue, but the departments would be called only if CLC officers found themselves in a situation they could not handle or needed assistance with an investigation.