University Police Obtain New Power in Chapel Hill

But with new town regulations in place, University police have more freedom to apprehend criminals off campus.

In May, the Chapel Hill Town Council granted University police limited expansion of jurisdiction into the town.

The decision followed months of dialogue between residents, the council and local law enforcement regarding the implications of easing jurisdictional boundaries.

The issue arose after UNC and Chapel Hill police came before the Town Council and said the relaxation of restrictions would allow both forces to do their jobs more effectively.

Early in the process, council members Mark Kleinschmidt and Bill Strom were concerned that University police would take advantage of any license given them and begin patrolling neighborhoods and setting speed traps.

But University Police Chief Derek Poarch said this type of activity has not taken place. "I can say that we have had no complaints from residents (about University police officers)," he said.

When the council approved the regulations in May, two major changes were written in the books. DPS officers now have the right to not only pursue suspects off campus after an incident but also to conduct investigations into incidents without the supervision of Chapel Hill officers.

In addition, the new policies allow University police to serve warrants at the magistrate's office.

Poarch called the plan "a no-brainer" in February, saying alongside Chapel Hill Police Chief Gregg Jarvies that the plan would allow campus police to act when action was needed and decrease time spent by Chapel Hill officers assisting University police units.

Poarch said his department has not yet received reports requiring use of the new regulations. "We have not had a lot of activity in that area," he said.

Poarch said the effect of the jurisdictional expansion is not yet quantifiable.

"We do not yet have any numbers concerning the effect the extra territorial jurisdiction granted us."

Officials attribute the lack of activity in usage of the jurisdictional changes to the low number of students on campus during summer. With students back on campus, University police officers might soon have the opportunity to put their enhanced enforcement powers to work. On-campus incidents have risen dramatically in number in the past as summer transitions to fall, according to police records.

Chapel Hill police officials were not available for comment as of press time.

The City Editor can be reached at citydesk@unc.edu.