Campus Policing - A Scholarly of University Law Enforcement

Our review of Campus Policing examines whether university law enforcement is primarily about legal enforcement or more traditional security duties. Written by Diane C. Bordner and David M. Peterson, this study is aimed at readers seeking a clear, research-based exploration of how campus police compare to municipal forces. The bottom line: this book is a concise academic treatment that helps campus administrators, policy students, and law enforcement professionals understand the balance between regulatory, protective, and policing functions on university grounds.

Key Features

• Focused inquiry: The book directly asks whether campus policing is law enforcement or security, helping readers frame policy debates with a clear question.
• Comparative analysis: It examines similarities and differences between university policing and municipal policing so readers can evaluate institutional roles and limits.
• Private policing perspective: By treating university policing as a form of private policing, the study highlights organizational and accountability distinctions important for administrators.
• Practical implications: The discussion of plant protection, preventive maintenance, and conduct regulation connects theory to everyday campus functions administrators manage.
• Scholarly tone: The authors present findings in a measured, research-oriented style suitable for courses and professional reference.

Who It's For

This book is best suited for university administrators, campus safety directors, criminal justice students, and researchers interested in the governance and operational scope of campus police. It is particularly useful for readers who need a concise, comparative framework to inform policy or program design.

Those looking for operational manuals, detailed tactical training, or step-by-step implementation guides should look elsewhere; Campus Policing is analytic and conceptual rather than a field training handbook.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear focus on the central question of law enforcement versus security simplifies complex debates for policy makers.
• Useful comparative lens linking university and municipal policing clarifies distinctions in authority and practice.
• Connects abstract policing concepts to campus functions like plant protection and student conduct regulation.

Cons

• The book is academic in tone and may feel abstract to readers seeking practical how-to guidance.

Specifications

Title	Campus Policing
Authors	Diane C. Bordner, David M. Peterson
Subject area	University policing and private policing
Focus questions	Enforcement vs security; comparison with municipal policing
Intended audience	Administrators, students, researchers
Approach	Scholarly, analytical study

Our Verdict

Campus Policing is a concise, thoughtful study that succeeds as an academic resource for those evaluating the role of police on campus. It is good value for policy makers and students who need conceptual clarity about enforcement, private policing, and campus security functions, though practitioners seeking tactical guidance may prefer a different volume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book practical for campus security officers?
The book offers analytical perspectives and policy-relevant discussion, but it is not a tactical training manual for daily operations.

Does it compare university police to municipal police?
Yes, a primary aim is to outline similarities and differences between university policing and municipal policing models.

Who authored this study?
The work is authored by Diane C. Bordner and David M. Peterson and is written in a scholarly, research-oriented style.