Lindenwood University cares deeply about campus security and making our on- and off-campus communities safer places to learn, live, and work. To meet best practices of campus safety and enhance our ability to respond immediately to life-threatening incidents, 10 of Lindenwood University’s 22-member Department of Public Safety and Security will be armed starting in the Fall of 2023.
Due to the upward trend in campus violence, life threatening events like active-shooter scenarios are of particular concern to colleges and universities across the country. Most of these incidents occur in just minutes, and while unlikely, we need our most experienced campus safety professionals to have the ability to respond immediately, reasonably, and responsibly to protect the campus community.
The plan to partially arm our public safety officers has been thoughtfully developed in collaboration with campus stakeholders and local law enforcement. It aligns to peer institutions as well as policies, procedures, and training within federal, state, and institutional guidelines.
The 10 officers authorized to carry a firearm all have prior law enforcement or military experience; underwent background checks; completed Eastern Missouri Police Academy firearms training and additional training that meets statute requirements in St. Charles County. Qualified officers are mandated to wear body cameras and also commit to ongoing education and assessment to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and campus safety best practices.
Having a partially armed Department of Public Safety and Security to address life-threatening incidents does not change the primary role and responsibility of the majority of Lindenwood’s Public Safety Officers. The Department of Public Safety and Security will continue to focus on proactive crime prevention and public safety services to the campus community. These include 24/7 patrols, walking escorts, closed-circuit television monitoring, and more. The department also will continue to work closely with the St. Charles Police, the only entity responsible for arrests and charges. Additional information is available in the Frequently Asked Questions below.
The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority and we are grateful to the Department of Public Safety and Security for its diligence and commitment to that end.
Sincerely,
Frequently Asked Questions
What does partially armed mean?
Out of the 22 total safety officers on campus, ten of Lindenwood’s most senior and experienced officers will be authorized to carry firearms.
Why is this being implemented?
Lindenwood University cares about safety. Rates of violent crimes on college campuses have increased, and colleges and universities across the nation are paying increased attention to active shooter threats on campus. To meet best practices for campus safety and immediate response, Lindenwood University public safety department will be partially armed.
What is the purpose of this implementation?
Active shooter incidents at institutions of higher education present challenges because of the size and number of buildings on most campuses. Campus security professionals are invaluable in these situations because of their familiarity with the campus and knowledge of the community.
When seconds count, experienced campus safety professionals will have the ability to immediately respond to active-shooter or similar life-threatening incidents on campus. This enhances Lindenwood University’s ability to reasonably and responsibly protect the campus community in the unlikely event of an active shooter scenario.
What was the process for making this decision?
The decision to introduce armed campus safety professionals has been vetted against industry standards, with participation of local law enforcement, and through all campus stakeholders.
The Lindenwood Department of Public Safety and Security was charged with conducting and presenting findings from research involving national statistics, local law enforcement, peer institutions, and industry safety professionals.
Lindenwood worked directly with various campus stakeholders in the development of the plan including administration, faculty, staff, student representatives and the St. Charles Chief of Police. The plan meets statute requirements and includes provisions for hiring/staffing, training, ongoing assessment, and transparency.
A Lindenwood University Campus Safety Task force reviewed the plan, ensuring that all points of view were represented, and critical perspectives were considered.
Who will carry a firearm?
Ten of our 22 officers, primarily comprised of our experienced public safety administrative team, will be armed. These officers all have prior law enforcement or military training, undergo additional training, and are equipped with mandatory body worn cameras to ensure transparency.
What training is required for officers who carry?
Lindenwood University has developed a comprehensive plan in collaboration with stakeholders and local law enforcement that reflects current best practices for campus safety.
Every armed officer must undergo background checks. Officers are required to successfully complete robust firearms training through Eastern Missouri Police Academy. In addition, officers are required to successfully complete additional training which meets statute requirements in St. Charles County. This training addresses important topics including de-escalation and shoot/no-shoot scenarios.
Every armed officer will be equipped with a mandatory body-worn camera. Body cameras provide necessary evidence that improves transparency for our community and officers.
How does Lindenwood partner with St. Charles Police Department?
The University’s Department of Public Safety and Security cooperates with the St. Charles Police Department and the local community in fulfilling its mission. Arrests and charges are only made by the City’s police department.
Who can I contact for more information?
Please contact Director, Public Safety and Security, Ryan Anderson.
For media inquiries, please contact University Spokesperson, Julee Mitsler.
