Duke's force multiplier

Editorial

The agreement between Duke University and the city authorizing campus police to patrol nearby neighborhoods is a win-win for both entities. The patrols, which will cost Duke about $300,000 a year, are a welcome response to residents' complaints about rowdy students living in rental properties.

The Duke police department's reach beyond the campus will be a force multiplier for the Durham police department. The pact will allow city police to allocate their limited manpower and resources more efficiently.

Instead of answering calls to shush loud parties, more Durham officers can be dispatched to city trouble spots.

When the Duke patrols will start remains uncertain. Duke had hoped to start in January, but encountered a series of delays.

Duke students shouldn't worry about the university-city agreement diluting the strength of the campus police. The patrols on the perimeter of the university will add an extra layer of protection.

Duke's neighborhood patrols were authorized in July by the General Assemby. The city already had legal authority to enter into a joint agreement with the N.C. Central University Police Department because NCCU is an agency of state government.

These joint agreements with our local universities are a fine example of town and gown cooperating for the greater good. We hope to see more such ventures.

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