Rhode Island House Bill H8293

Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/13/26
• Refer: 3/13/26

Caption

Permits non-sworn public safety officers/security guards at private colleges/universities to detain individuals for no longer than 30 minutes within the campus’s jurisdiction if the officer or guard believes the person committed a criminal offense.

Impact

The introduction of this legislation is intended to address concerns around campus security and the ability of private institutions to manage criminal offenses on their premises effectively. By permitting detention without a warrant, it alters the existing landscape of campus security protocols and emphasizes a proactive approach in dealing with potential threats. This amendment could impact how private colleges and universities develop their public safety policies and collaborate with local law enforcement.

Summary

House Bill 8293 proposes a significant amendment to the Rhode Island General Laws relating to criminal procedure, specifically regarding the arrest protocols at private colleges and universities. This bill grants non-sworn public safety officers and security guards at private institutions the authority to detain individuals suspected of committing a criminal offense for a period of up to thirty minutes. The bill aims to enhance campus safety by empowering on-site security personnel to take immediate action in situations where prompt intervention may be necessary.

Contention

However, this bill may also face scrutiny and contention. Critics might argue that granting detention powers to non-sworn personnel could lead to potential abuses or misapplications of authority, particularly in the absence of standardized training and oversight. There could be concerns surrounding the civil rights of individuals being detained under this provision, as well as questions regarding the adequacy of training for public safety officers in the use of restraint devices and adherence to appropriate use of force policies. The discussion around the bill may highlight the balance between enhancing safety and safeguarding individual rights on campus.