Harper Police to get new tool to keep campus safe

The Harper College Police Department will soon have another tool available to them to preserve and protect the campus community.

Sworn police officers will be equipped with Tasers later in the semester after completing a comprehensive training program.

The department joins numerous other surrounding communities and peer colleges that have been using the devices including Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Schaumburg, College of DuPage, College of Lake County, Elgin Community College and Oakton Community College, among others.

Studies show the use of electronic control devices is safer for suspects who may be behaving erratically and pose a danger to themselves or those around them; it’s also safer for the officer trying to resolve the situation.

Harper Police have been presenting information about the plan with Harper’s Student Government Association and several student and employee organizations. Next month, police will hold a series of open information sessions for students, faculty and staff to share more about Taser technology and the training and implementation plans.