The bill amends Chapter 12-7 of the General Laws regarding "Arrest" by introducing a new section, 12-7-1.1, which permits private institutions of higher education chartered by the state to authorize trained public safety officers or security personnel to temporarily detain individuals on campus property under specific circumstances. These circumstances include having probable cause to believe that the individual has committed a felony or a misdemeanor involving violence, theft, trespass, property destruction, disorderly conduct, or other breaches of the peace occurring in the officer's presence. The detention must be reasonably necessary to prevent imminent harm to persons or property, prevent the individual's escape prior to the arrival of law enforcement, or maintain public safety, and it must be conducted using the least restrictive means available.

The bill outlines the procedures and requirements for such detentions, including the necessity for the public safety officer or security officer to request assistance from law enforcement immediately upon detaining an individual. The detained individual must be informed as soon as practicable that the detention is temporary, the reason for the detention, and that law enforcement has been summoned. The use of physical restraints is limited to situations where it is reasonably necessary to protect the officer or another person from physical injury, prevent the destruction of evidence, prevent escape, or prevent imminent damage to property, with the degree of force used not exceeding what is objectively reasonable under the circumstances. Handcuffs or other restraint devices may only be used by personnel who have successfully completed approved training.

Every institution exercising authority under this section is required to maintain written policies governing detention procedures, use of force, reporting requirements, and training standards; require annual training for all personnel authorized to conduct detentions; maintain records of all detentions for not less than five years; and make such records available to law enforcement upon request. Within twenty-four hours of any detention, the institution must prepare a written incident report documenting the reason for the detention, the duration of the detention, any force or restraints utilized, the law enforcement agency notified, and the disposition of the incident.

The bill also provides that a public safety officer, security officer, or institution acting in good faith and in reasonable reliance upon this section shall not be liable for civil damages arising from a detention authorized by this section, except for conduct constituting gross negligence, reckless conduct, or willful misconduct. Additionally, the bill clarifies that it does not authorize a search beyond what is permitted by law, grant arrest powers to non-sworn personnel, confer peace officer status upon any individual, or limit any authority otherwise granted to special police officers appointed pursuant to chapter 2.1 of title 12. The act will take effect upon passage.