From: Jim choate <ravage@bga.com> Date: Tue, 23 Aug 1994 14:37:07 -0500 (CDT) X-Mailer: ELM [version 2.4 PL23] Content-Type: text Content-Length: 1527 Sender: owner-cypherpunks@toad.com Precedence: bulk I suspect that MIT's security forces, even though it is a private school, hold 'peace officer' ratings and this implies that they can carry weapons at any time (though they don't usually). They're armed police; I've never seen a one without a gun. MIT's CPs (Campus Police) were kind enough to put their pamphlet "About the MIT Campus Police" on the net. Here are some relevant portions: BACKGROUND: In order to be considered for employment as an MIT campus police officer, the Department normally requires three years of prior police experience as a campus, municipal or state police officer. Finalists for all police positions undergo background checks (including criminal record checks) prior to hiring. AUTHORITY: All MIT Campus Police officers are qualified under Chapter 22C Section 63 of the Massachusetts General Laws and have full powers as police with regard to crimes occurring on MIT property. In addition, all officers hired on or after December 1, 1987 are sworn as Deputy Sheriffs in Middlesex County. MIT police officers do not exercise police authority in the City of Boston and therefore do not patrol MIT fraternities, sororities or independent living groups located in Boston. However, the MIT Police do provide emergency medical services. WEAPONS: MIT police officers and supervisors are armed and must undergo annual firearms qualifications based on Massachusetts Criminal Justice Training Council standards. The Department has written deadly force and non-lethal force policies which are reviewed with officers on an annual basis. In addition, they have some control over what gets reported to Cambridge and state law enforecement authorities. --bal