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SB 504

Hagerstown Community College Police Force - Jurisdiction

2025 Regular Session

SB 504 establishes police jurisdiction for Hagerstown Community College, authorizing campus officers to enforce law and maintain order within specified jurisdictional boundaries.

Hearing 2/05 at 2:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 504

Legislative bill overview

SB 504 would establish or expand police jurisdiction for Hagerstown Community College, allowing the institution to maintain its own police force with defined legal authority. The bill specifies the scope of enforcement powers and operational jurisdiction for campus safety personnel.

Why is this important

Community college campuses face unique security challenges, and establishing clear police authority affects student safety, crime response times, and institutional liability. The jurisdictional scope determines whether campus police can respond to incidents both on and off campus, impacting coordination with local law enforcement and community relations.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of jurisdiction: Questions about whether campus police authority extends beyond college property to adjacent areas, potentially duplicating or conflicting with municipal police responsibilities
  • Accountability and oversight: Concerns about police conduct standards, training requirements, and civilian complaint procedures for a campus-specific force versus established municipal departments
  • Resource allocation: Debate over whether establishing a separate police force is cost-effective compared to contracting with local law enforcement or enhancing existing campus security measures

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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