Villanova University considers arming campus police

Officials at a suburban Philadelphia university have started discussions on arming its campus security force. 

 A spokesman for Villanova University said Tuesday talks about issuing weapons to campus police are in the preliminary stage.

 

If the plans proceed, Radnor Township Police Superintendent Bill Colarulo said arming the university force would require working out a number of issues.

“You have to have a policy established,” he said. “I came from Philadelphia, and if an officer discharges a firearm even if it’s accidental, there’s a list of things that have to be done, a protocol that has to be followed.

“The district attorney has to be called, evidence has to be preserved, interviews have to be taken,” he said. “It’s not just something simple you jump into.”

Radnor police investigate serious cases at the university, and Colarulo said he’s happy with that arrangement.

“I feel right now there has to be more conversation and I really think the Radnor police need to be a part of this,” he said. “There are too many variables and liability issues if you don’t do this the right way from the very beginning.”