An agreement between CSU Chico campus police and Chico city police was signed Monday to increase the authority of University police.

After various forums regarding the concern for student safety this past fall, officials from both city and university councils signed an agreement allowing University police to enforce laws the same way as Chico city police officers within a one-mile radius of campus.

This agreement aims to harbor cooperation between the two departments, enabling them to work side-by-side and lend resources, with the end goal being a more unified and safe community for students and residents.

“The main goal of this agreement is to strengthen the way both departments can act overall, along with model cooperation and respect from both,” CSU Chico President Paul Zingg said.

The area immediately surrounding the Chico State campus houses the densest population of 18-22 year olds, and the Chico City police are hoping to get some extra help in responding to calls, mainly regarding parties and guests who have gotten out of control.

This is not the first Memorandum of Understanding [or MOU] between the police departments.

In 2006, Zingg signed the first landmark MOU after the famous meeting with the Greeks, which discussed changing the culture of partying among Chico State Students. Since then, schools such as Cal Poly San Luis Obispo have borrowed the idea and expanded on it to address their own school issues.

“This agreement will be successful because it will make students feel safer and less reluctant to call for help,” Zingg conclude, “We are trying to maintain the balance between safety and fun.”

Amelia Storm can be reached at [email protected] or @amelia__storm on Twitter