Marquette University considers forming police department
MILWAUKEE -- Thousands of new students are preparing to make Marquette's campus their new home days after two men were shot at a house party near the campus. More than 50 public safety officers patrol the neighborhoods around Marquette's campus, but they have limited power to enforce the law.
A new law signed by Governor Scott Walker gives Marquette University the option to form their own police department. Officials say it may be a year or two before that happens.
The university currently has public safety officers who cannot make arrests and write tickets. The forming of a new police department could help free up Milwaukee Police Department resources.
Officials with Marquette Public Safety say they will continue to work with the Milwaukee Police Department to protect students.