SBCC considers full-time police officer on campus

Santa Barbara City College is looking at ways to increase it’s security on campus. One proposal presented at last week’s College Planning Council meeting was the idea of bringing on a full-time armed Santa Barbara Police Department officer to patrol the campus. The officer would patrol on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This would be in addition to the un-armed security team currently at the school.

The initial talks have brought on a heated debate. The school President Lori Gaskin is open to having this dialogue and getting the input of both faculty and students. Some people believe the officer would act as a deterrent to crime on campus, particularly violent crimes. Others believe it’s not necessary and only builds anxiety on campus. Another concern is the cost. The position would cost roughly $250,000 annually. The next planning council meeting is set for April 16.

NewsChannel 3 Reporter Shirin Rajaee reports.