The bill amends Chapter 12-7 of the General Laws by adding a new section, 12-7-1.1, which permits private state-charted institutions of higher education to establish security departments that can employ or contract with special police officers, public safety officers, and security personnel. These officers and guards are authorized to detain individuals suspected of committing a criminal offense on campus for a maximum of thirty (30) minutes, provided they have reasonable grounds to believe that the offense has been committed and that the person being detained is responsible for it.

The bill requires that any public safety officer or security guard who detains an individual must immediately request assistance from either the state police or the local police department with jurisdiction over the private college or university. Furthermore, all public safety officers and security guards employed by these institutions must be trained in the proper use of restraint devices and must adhere to locally or nationally recognized use of force policies. This act will take effect upon passage.