New Law Authorizes Expanded Powers For Detroit Mercy Police

LANSING (AP) - Gov. Rick Snyder has signed a bill expanding the powers of police at private colleges if they are properly licensed and have authorization from local law enforcement.

The new law enacted Tuesday lets private college officers make arrests beyond just college property.

The legislation was written because the University of Detroit Mercy wants its officers to patrol areas around campus boundaries, similarly to Wayne State University officers. Detroit Mercy is the only private college in Michigan with a licensed police force, according to the House Fiscal Agency.

A private college wanting expanded police powers would need its officers to be sworn and fully empowered by the local police chief or to be deputized by the county sheriff.