Mass. community college to arm campus cops

Bristol Community College officers could begin carrying guns as early as next spring

A Massachusetts community college's board of trustees has approved — with a 7-2 vote — a measure that would arm campus police.

Bristol Community College officers could begin carrying guns as early as next April, according to an article in The Herald News, a local news source.

The measure was discussed at a community forum held a few weeks ago. Some who attended expressed concerns, but BCC President John Sbrega said he estimates that about 85 percent of the campus supported the measure.

Some who attended the meeting expressed concerns that arming campus police would change the atmosphere of the school, butBCC Vice President of Administration and Finance Steven Kenyon insisted this was not the case.

“I heard before from people that they thought our police were armed,” he said.

The officers will receive training and psychiatric evaluations before becoming armed.

The measure will cost $3,000, including the maintenance and storage of the guns.

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