RI lawmaker pushes bill to arm campus police at CCRI and RIC

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — State Rep. William W. O’Brien is again calling on the leaders of Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College to allow campus police officers to carry firearms following recent violent incidents in the state.

The North Providence Democrat says the administrations at both schools should reconsider their policies and equip campus police with the tools needed to respond to potential threats.

O’Brien said the issue has taken on greater urgency following February’s fatal ice rink shootings in Pawtucket, and December’s Brown University campus shooting.

Legislation Would Arm Campus Police

O’Brien has reintroduced legislation, 2026-H 7128, that would require police officers at Rhode Island’s public colleges and universities to carry firearms.

The proposal would apply to campus police departments at CCRI and Rhode Island College. Supporters say the measure is intended to strengthen security and improve response capabilities in the event of an active threat.

The lawmaker said he secured 37 co-sponsors in the Rhode Island House of Representatives for the legislation.

State Police Report Raises Safety Concerns

O’Brien said a recent assessment by the Rhode Island State Police examined how campus police responded during an armed assailant situation at CCRI earlier this year.

According to the report, the CCRI Police Department currently operates without issued firearms or conducted energy weapons such as Tasers.

The assessment concluded that this limitation reduces officers’ ability to directly respond to active threats. Because of this policy, CCRI police must rely on outside law enforcement agencies to stop a dangerous situation.

Report Recommends Additional Equipment

The State Police review recommended that CCRI evaluate whether campus officers should be equipped with firearms or Tasers.

It also suggested that the college provide sworn officers with ballistic protective vests to wear while on duty.

O’Brien said those recommendations match proposals he has introduced at the State House during several recent legislative sessions.

Schools Remain Outliers in New England

The lawmaker also noted that CCRI and Rhode Island College are unusual compared with other colleges in the region.

According to O’Brien, the two schools have the only campus police departments in New England where officers are not equipped with firearms or Tasers.

Supporters of the bill argue that arming campus police would help improve safety for students, faculty, and staff.

The legislation remains under consideration at the Rhode Island State House.