The California State University (CSU) released the following statement from the Chiefs of Police of the university's 23 campus police departments:
“As police chiefs of the California State University's 23 campus police departments, we have been galvanized by the many voices across our state and nation demanding accountability, equity and justice. We have seen the tragic impact of racism and bigotry, and many in our departments have experienced it personally. We are unitedly determined to take action.
With the vigorous support of CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White and the strong endorsement of every CSU campus president, we pledge our commitment to implement the recommendations of The President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing, reported to President Barack Obama in May 2015. We are determined to lead by example, joining a growing number of American cities that have committed – collectively and collaboratively – to address police use-of-force policies. To that end, and effective immediately, we are prohibiting the use of the carotid control hold by all CSU police officers. Additionally, no CSU police officer will receive or participate in trainings that teach the carotid control hold.
As we implement the recommendations of the 21st Century Policing report, we re-commit ourselves and our departments to ensuring the safety, security and well-being of our students, faculty and staff on every CSU campus."
Recommendations from The President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing are designed to help communities and law enforcement agencies build trust and collaboration, while continuing to reduce crime. The recommendations are organized around six key pillars: Building Trust and Legitimacy, Policy and Oversight, Technology and Social Media, Officer Wellness and Safety, Community Policing and Crime Reduction, and Training and Education.
Police chiefs from every CSU campus are actively working to address and implement the Task Force's recommendations, and will seek for ways to incorporate these concepts into the training and certification provided by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (CA POST). All CSU police officers are sworn and certified by CA POST, and receive further training in de-escalating situations that might be caused by mental health or controlled substance issues. CSU officers are committed to maintaining a safe campus environment by being student-focused and community oriented.
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About the California State University
The California State University is the largest system of four-year higher education in the country, with 23 campuses, 53,000 faculty and staff and 482,000 students. Half of the CSU's students transfer from California community colleges. Created in 1960, the mission of the CSU is to provide high-quality, affordable education to meet the ever-changing needs of California. With its commitment to quality, opportunity, and student success, the CSU is renowned for superb teaching, innovative research and for producing job-ready graduates. Each year, the CSU awards more than 127,000 degrees. One in every 20 Americans holding a college degree is a graduate of the CSU and our alumni are 3.8 million strong. Connect with and learn more about the CSU in the CSU NewsCenter.