Arming Campus Police In recent years, campus police across the country have been given the responsibility of stowing a firearm. This is mainly due to the increase in shootings at universities and schools, such as Virginia Tech and Sandy Hook Elementary. The possible danger of campuses being attacked by hostile individuals is a top priority for school boards and universities. They do not want their students to be harmed, injured, or feel unsafe on campus in any way. For this reason, measures have been taken to create a safer university environment. Some of the methods include keeping the university informed of potential threats, informing the university of the university's security decisions, and having security services constantly available. One of the major security decisions discussed at universities, particularly at the University of Rhode Island, was the possibility of arming campus police. The University of Rhode Island has held meetings and forums discussing the issue, asking students, alumni and parents their opinions on whether campus police should not be armed with firearms. There are 25 registered officers working for the school who have all received training and continue to do so on an annual basis. Currently the officers are still unarmed and continue to patrol the school with the possibility of full arrest. The debate on whether to arm these officers is still open. The cost to arm officers is 498,000 in total. Costs include mental aptitude tests, weapons, bullets, armor, and training. The school could initially invest 200,000 in costs, but would have to pay 298,000 each year to continue the program. National statistics show that there has been an increase in violence and gun use on campuses (Justice Statisti...... middle of document ......squita, PB (n.d.). Forum on Arming Campus Police. Retrieved from URI Center for Nonviolence & Peace Studies: http://web.uri.edu/nonviolence/forumonarmingcampuspolice/Robert A. Weygand, J.V. (2013, March 24: Preliminary Report: A Reported Individual with a Gun. Retrieved from uri.edu: http://www.uri.edu/news/alert/Chafee%20Incident%20Report%204.29.13.pdfSimmons, R.J. (2014, March 27) Brown approves arming campus police officers, excerpt from Brown University: http://www.brown.edu/Administration/News_Bureau/2005-06/05-061.htmlBureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) 2004–2005 Campus Law Enforcement SurveyThe University of Rhode Island and campus safety department crime through 2006 to 2008 statistical records, (2014, March 26) http://web.uri.edu/police/kingston-campus/St Jean, Kyle Personal Interview. 28 03 2014.