U. Police get added investigative power

A new arrest protocol for University Police goes into effct early today. University Police acquired "unprecedented" authority early this morning as the first stage of a unique arrest protocol went into effect between the Penn and Philadelphia Police departments. The protocol, a signed agreement between Philadelphia Police Commissioner John Timoney and Penn Vice President for Public Safety Thomas Seamon, gives University Police official responsibility for all law enforcement and criminal investigations within its established patrol area, said University Police Deputy Chief of Investigations Thomas King. Penn police officers and detectives will now be able to respond to, investigate and report area crimes directly to the PPD database using procedures identical to those employed by Philadelphia Police investigators. Prior to the protocol, University Police had to physically bring their reports to the PPD for further processing. "The protocol is really two things. One, it really formalizes the ownership that we have been taking for the offenses committed on campus," King said. "It also means that our working relationship and liaison with Philly Police is going to be enhanced immeasurably." The agreement -- which is the only one of its kind among private police departments nationwide -- was designed to provide more efficient service to the Penn community and also additional relief to Philadelphia Police Department detectives in the 18th police district, who also patrol Penn's campus, King said. "Now there will be even better information-sharing between both of our departments, and any [on-campus crime] victims will be able to come right to our office rather than go all the way out to [the 18th district's headquarters at] 55th Street," King explained. The primary aim of the new agreement, officials said, is to provide a more efficient mechanism for preventing crime. "The hope is that by handling things more quickly and efficiently, we'll be able to considerably knock down the serious crimes," University Police Chief Maureen Rush said. "We'll be thrilled if in a year from now our detectives are playing tiddlywinks because there's just no crime to investigate," she added. The second component of the arrest protocol -- which is still on the drawing board -- would increase University Police's responsibilities even further, allowing them to carry-out procedures like questioning and finger-printing at their 4040 Chestnut Street headquarters. Although suspects apprehended within the University Police's patrol area are primarily investigated by University Police, offenders are currently taken to the Philadelphia Police Department's stationhouse at 55th and Pine streets since University Police have no facilities for suspect detention. "We're still working to get the requisite computering and dispatch to set up a preliminary arraignment system. Once we get set up there, we'll set up an entire offender process here," King said. While the new agreement shifts formalized responsibilities to the University Police, King was quick to point out that over the past few years Penn has already established -- unofficially -- its position as the leader in on-campus investigations. "Actually, the investigative aspect -- other than the full responsibility for the paperwork -- isn't going to change that much," King said. "It's already sort of understood that we take most of the investigative responsibility and that we've taken real ownership of our campus issues. Now it'll be on paper and we'll take charge of the actual investigative reports.