Within counties with a population under 200,000, how many peace officers can be appointed to a place of higher education?

In Texas, the relevant statute regarding the appointment of peace officers to a place of higher education in counties with populations under 200,000 specifies that a maximum of 50 peace officers can be appointed. This number is significant as it reflects the intent of the Texas Legislature to ensure adequate safety and law enforcement presence on college campuses in smaller communities while also managing resources effectively.

This allocation of authority helps maintain campus security by allowing for a sufficient number of officers to respond to incidents quickly, uphold campus safety standards, and engage in community policing initiatives. The focus on a specific cap—50 officers—ensures that institutions can address their unique safety needs without overextending personnel resources or financial budgets, which can be a concern in smaller populations.

Understanding the law as it pertains to peace officer appointments is crucial for those involved in campus security and administration, as it delineates the responsibilities and capacities of law enforcement in these educational environments.