The department’s 16 full-time officers have police powers on college property (as granted under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 22C, Section 63) and are sworn Hampshire County deputy sheriffs. All officers must complete training as mandated by the Massachusetts State Police.
Moreover, each officer is certified yearly in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first-aid techniques, and in first-responder skills. Each also attends a training session on civil rights and diversity, and four officers have been certified by the state as sexual assault investigators.
The department maintains close working relationships with the college and the Northampton Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police and the Northwestern District Attorney's office. It is Smith's policy to promptly report to the Northampton Police all criminal activities and serious crimes committed on campus.
