Columbia University Adds Campus Peace Officers with Arrest Powers Amid Rise in Protests

New York, NY – University officials announced that Columbia University has appointed 36 new special patrol officers with arrest powers to bolster campus security following a wave of student protests. The decision comes after last year’s high-profile pro-Palestinian demonstrations, during which NYPD officers were called in twice to dismantle unauthorized student encampments and remove protesters who had occupied an academic building.

The newly appointed officers, known as peace officers, have the authority to conduct warrantless arrests, detain individuals, and use physical force in accordance with New York State law. They will remain employees of Columbia University but operate with legal powers akin to those of the NYPD when enforcing laws on university property.

Streamlining Campus Law Enforcement

Columbia applied for the peace officer designations through the NYPD Commissioner’s office, which has the legal authority to approve such appointments under New York’s Peace Officers Law. The move allows Columbia to respond more swiftly to campus disturbances without immediately involving the NYPD—reducing tensions, preserving institutional autonomy, and enhancing on-site crisis response.

The officers will primarily patrol Columbia’s privately owned buildings, gated plazas, and campus lawns—areas typically outside the purview of municipal law enforcement unless called in.

“These officers will be more familiar with the university community and can provide more effective and nuanced responses aligned with university policies and values,” Columbia Public Safety said in a statement.

Training and Oversight

The special patrol officers have completed a 162-hour, state-certified training program focused on ethics, professionalism, anti-bias practices, and de-escalation tactics. While they will not be armed, they are distinguishable by specialized patches and badges and must report all arrests or summonses to the NYPD.

Importantly, the officers do not replace NYPD jurisdiction but are empowered to manage incidents in real time, detaining individuals until NYPD can assume custody when necessary.

Enhanced Campus Protocols

In conjunction with the new peace officer program, Columbia has updated its campus access policies. Students and visitors must now show a university or government-issued ID upon request and briefly remove masks for identity verification—though accommodations will be made for religious or medical needs. Individuals who refuse to comply may be removed from campus and charged with trespassing if they resist.

A National Trend in Campus Security

Columbia’s new measures come amid rising campus activism across the U.S., with universities nationwide grappling with how to balance student expression with safety and public order. Many institutions are reviewing their own security strategies, particularly as protests around political, racial, and international issues become more frequent and disruptive.

Expert Support for Campus Security

Given the increasing complexity of campus threats, security professionals say proactive planning is essential. Axios Security Group, a leading provider of private security and protection services, offers tailored solutions for educational institutions, including:

• Campus threat and vulnerability assessments

• Deployment of certified protection officers (CPOs)

• Emergency response planning and training

• Conflict de-escalation and protest management support

“As student demonstrations become more organized and unpredictable, universities must be prepared to manage risks effectively—without compromising civil liberties,” said a spokesperson for Axios Security Group. “We help institutions stay ahead of threats while upholding their mission of learning and inclusion.”

Conclusion

Columbia University’s expansion of its public safety program marks a critical turning point in how elite academic institutions approach security. By investing in in-house law enforcement with arrest authority and emphasizing accountability and community familiarity, the university aims to strike a balance between safety and civil discourse.

For more information on securing your campus or institution, contact Axios Security Group at (800) 485-3983 or visit axiossecuritygroup.com.