Johns Hopkins University (JHU) has taken significant steps towards implementing its own police force, a development that has been in progress since the Maryland General Assembly authorized its creation in 2019.
On Wednesday, the university announced the completion of its police department policies, which will guide operations across its three campuses starting next fall. Simultaneously, two key leadership positions were filled: Monique Brown, a retired Baltimore Police deputy commissioner, will serve as deputy chief, while “Teddy” Reed, former commander of Towson University’s police force, has been appointed captain.
Branville Bard Jr., JHU’s police chief and vice president of public safety, stated that the finalized policies incorporate over 800 community responses received during a public feedback period in September. These policies cover crucial areas such as use-of-force procedures, arrests, and community interactions.
The establishment of the police force has elicited mixed reactions from the student body. While some students express feelings of increased safety, others remain indifferent or concerned. This divide reflects the broader community response, which has included protests against the formation of a campus police force.
Bard previously justified the need for an armed police force by citing concerns about rising crime rates affecting the university’s Baltimore campuses, including assaults, robberies, and even murders.
The implementation of the JHU police force marks a significant change in campus security, with the department set to begin operations in the fall of 2025. As the university moves forward with this initiative, it continues to navigate the complex balance between enhancing campus safety and addressing community concerns.