Who can appoint adjunct police officers in counties with a population of 200,000?

In counties with a population of 200,000 or more, private universities have the authority to appoint adjunct police officers. This provision is rooted in the recognition of the unique security needs of private universities, which may have large campuses and student populations. By allowing private universities to appoint adjunct police officers, the law provides them with the ability to have law enforcement personnel who are familiar with the specific environment and issues pertinent to their campus.

The rationale behind this is to enhance safety on campuses and ensure that the institutions can respond effectively to incidents or emergencies. Such officers typically have similar powers to regular peace officers but are specifically tied to the universities they serve, thereby allowing these institutions to maintain a safe educational environment.

In contrast, while the state governor, county sheriffs, and the Department of Public Safety have various roles in the realm of law enforcement and public safety, their authority does not extend to the appointment of adjunct officers in the context of private universities. This delineation of power emphasizes the specificity of the responsibilities and jurisdiction related to campus security within these counties.