Their role

The campus police's primary role is to maintain a safe campus environment. Their number one priority should be to protect students from potential harm. Once upon a time, the campus police presence brought peace of mind to students and faculty. But now, due to an entirely different climate, we've seen campus police in colleges and universities become more zealous to make arrests. Whether it be underage drinking, late night strolls with friends, partying, or any other matter - gone are the days when campus police would make you pour out your drink, tell you to go home, or give you a warning. Nowadays, students are met with a ticket or handcuffs.

Although breaking the law should be punishable, one would question why campus police have been the force to carry out repercussions to the full extent when it should be a last resort. Of course, the aim is to deter crime on campus, but the method of enforcement has become extreme. Because of these new practices, students who attend college to expand their opportunities, end up leaving with a criminal record that puts them at a disadvantage in the very competitive job market.

Title IX Investigations

Sexual assault, sexual harassment and other types of sexual misconduct are serious crimes. When they occur on campus, they're handled and adjudicated by the institution. Victims sometimes take things a step further by filing criminal charges. the stakes are especially high in the event that a respondent faces both disciplinary proceedings and criminal charges at the same time. The accused not only has to deal with the repercussions carried out by the criminal justice system, but they could also be faced with expulsion from their college or university.

There are unique challenges for students with parallel investigations that put them in a difficult position. Anything said to defend themselves in a school hearing, for example, could be used in a trial, and vice versa. And while school investigations are assured to be confidential by the Title IX office, this is not always the case. In the past, universities have turned over investigations to authorities when they subpoenaed facts of the case.

In the past few years, campus police have become more involved in these allegations, further blurring the lines between criminal and school proceedings.

Nationwide Title IX Advisor

The only way to make sure your voice is heard and your rights are upheld is to retain a student defense attorney. For respondents, especially, the assistance of an attorney advisor is invaluable in the Title IX process. National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento has the skill, experience, and expertise to help you preserve your entitled rights under Title IX and your school's policy. For a case evaluation or more information about his representation, contact him online or give him a call at 888-535-3686 today.