ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Johns Hopkins University will be allowed to create its own armed police force, under a measure that has received final approval by the Maryland General Assembly.
The Maryland Senate voted 42-2 to pass the bill Monday night. That sends the measure to Gov. Larry Hogan. A spokesman for Hogan says he will likely sign the bill.
The measure has sparked debate between those who want to increase campus safety as Baltimore struggles with violent crime and those who fear police profiling.
The legislation would allow the private institution to have 100 police officers at its academic and hospital campuses.
Supporters of creating a police force have included billionaire alumnus Michael Bloomberg and Democratic U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings. A group called Students Against Private Police has led multiple protests.
