This article is based on research conducted as a part of the CA POST Command College. It is a futures study of a particular emerging issue of relevance to law enforcement. Its purpose is not to predict the future; rather, to project a variety of possible scenarios useful for planning and action in anticipation of the emerging landscape facing policing organizations.
The article was created using the futures forecasting process of Command College and its outcomes. Managing the future means influencing it — creating, constraining and adapting to emerging trends and events in a way that optimizes the opportunities and minimizes the threats of relevance to the profession.
By Lieutenant Christopher Jetton
The enduring aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, characterized by prolonged social isolation and the shift away from traditional in-person learning, casts a looming uncertainty over the future behavioral landscape of college and university campuses. As researchers grapple with the unknown long-term effects, a concerning trend has emerged among college-age students, marked by a deficiency in basic social interaction skills and a preference for virtual communities over face-to-face connections. This shift, exacerbated among vulnerable demographics, has led to a surge in mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression, as well as a troubling increase in victimization and risky behaviors. [1]
As we navigate these uncharted waters, it is critical efforts be devoted to shed light on the evolving needs and behaviors of college students, particularly in relation to university policing. By understanding the potential impacts of cognitive and social delays on student behavior, we can begin to tailor proactive behavioral interventions and response strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of the campus community. [2,3]
A review of the current research in these areas and data collected from a panel of experts revealed several implications on the future of policing in campus environments. Those implications prompted the development of recommendations for university police and campus behavioral intervention teams in California to stay relevant and better detect, predict and prevent acts of violence and behaviors of concern on campuses.
Implications on the future of policing
Given the mounting mental health challenges and a decline in social and coping abilities among college-age students following the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a compelling need for heightened student support services within university settings. Notably, the California State University Channel Islands Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) has witnessed a surge in students of concern (SOC), indicating a concerning trend that necessitates proactive intervention and support. It’s crucial to recognize that these increasing trends only represent reported cases, and the actual number of students in distress may be higher. In fact, research has shown that 95% of college students had their mental health impacted by COVID-19. [1]
For university police across the California State University system, this has meant an increased likelihood of being dispatched (without additional staffing resources) to SOC or students experiencing mental health crises. Colleges and universities must invest their limited resources wisely, utilizing data-driven strategies and strong advocacy to provide the best support services to students. As the staffing of mental health clinicians and other student support roles in higher education has become more challenging, there’s been an increased reliance on university police to respond to situations involving SOC experiencing mental health crises. This highlights the urgency to find innovative solutions to bolster support services. Interestingly, advances in technology to manage campus safety may be a part of solving issues related to SOC in a more timely and effective way.
Can AI improve student outcomes?
Research has shown the potential to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) for improving educational outcomes in the higher education sector. [4] This includes using cost-effective counseling approaches to provide targeted support and enhance the success of underprepared students. [5]
Sadly, the cost of doing nothing will continue to get higher. Research suggests we should anticipate a rise in social media addiction within the college-age student demographic. In a study looking into the effects of increased time spent on social media and levels of coronavirus anxiety during the pandemic, Turkish researchers found social media addiction not only increased during the pandemic but there was also a correlation between increased social media addiction and coronavirus anxiety among university students. [6] Law enforcement should be aware of the potential implications of increased social media addiction, especially among college-age individuals, as it could potentially lead to societal challenges as levels of anxiety and social isolation increase.
There is, though, a bright side. As college students become more addicted to social media, they may also become more comfortable interacting with virtual communities and potentially feel more comfortable receiving counseling services from virtual reality platforms. [2,6] These trends suggest colleges and universities should look to incorporate technological solutions to reach more students in crisis.
A counselor in your pocket
Technological solutions are already emerging that aim to put a counselor in your pocket. [7] The use of AI mental health technology to supplement university counseling staff could create cost-effective instant access to services by all students and reduce the likelihood of needing to send law enforcement to students experiencing mental health crises.
For university police departments to maintain their relevance, it’s imperative to remain at the forefront of threat detection and evaluation even as technological solutions are put into place. There are many colleges and universities that use training from local behavioral health departments in crisis intervention team models and are implementing programs in which licensed clinicians respond with law enforcement personnel to SOC to assist with de-escalation. This work minimizes the likelihood of officers having to use force to safeguard health and safety. This is particularly crucial considering historical incidents such as the Virginia Tech or Columbine High shootings, which underscore the potential consequences of failing to identify and address concerning behaviors in a timely manner. As students’ use of technology-based solutions increases, so must law enforcement’s use of technology-based tools for the detection and monitoring of SOC. Colleges and universities must find ways to tap into data legally and ethically to more effectively predict and prevent acts of mass violence through early intervention.
By predicting SOC early, colleges and universities can target additional services and resources to support students before law enforcement intervention becomes necessary. For this to be successful it will be crucial to work with AI developers to ensure we remove biased algorithms, protect privacy and eliminate the ability for AI algorithms to reinforce societal biases. [3] Privacy of student health and educational information will be of utmost importance as colleges and universities develop their technology-based solutions with application developers. For students to trust in the new technology, there must be safeguards in place that prevent general access by law enforcement.
One example of this technology came from education reporter Rebecca Kelliher, who wrote in 2021 on the potential use of AI-based chatbots to assist students in navigating mental health crises. [8] Kelliher explained that Dr. Jinho Choi, an associate professor of computer science at Emory University in Georgia, observed an increase in mental health struggles among his students. In response, Choi collaborated with computer science graduate students to develop Emora, an AI-enabled bot capable of engaging in nuanced, humanlike conversations. Although Emora was not yet sophisticated enough to provide true mental health support for students, the technology continues to evolve, and other advancements with similar, and more sophisticated, capabilities will emerge in the future. There are many challenges still to address with AI-based chatbots, but by working with trained human clinicians to monitor the development and operation of systems like Emora, universities can identify SOC early, and the number law enforcement interventions can diminish, allowing university police to focus on community-based policing practices and other general law enforcement activities.
Recommendations
All available research points toward AI- and virtual reality-based counseling solutions as indispensable tools for the future, offering scalable, proactive solutions to support in-person counseling and analog BIT and threat assessment teams. Thus, it’s imperative for universities to explore and embrace these technologies to ensure the safety, well-being and academic success of their students.
Based on a comprehensive review of current research and feedback from a panel of experts, six actionable recommendations have been identified for universities to enhance student support services, embrace technological advancements and foster a safer, more supportive environment.
1. Invest in student support services.
Research indicates that low-cost counseling interventions significantly support underprepared students, improving their academic performance and overall well-being. [5] Experts emphasize the need for increased investment in student support services due to the significant mental health challenges faced by students during the pandemic. [9] Universities should prioritize allocating resources toward enhancing student support services, particularly in light of the surge in mental health challenges among college-age students. This includes adequately staffing behavioral intervention teams and providing sufficient training for university police to respond effectively to situations involving students experiencing mental health crises.
2. Explore and adopt AI-based counseling solutions.
Some researchers suggest AI-driven platforms can complement traditional counseling services by offering scalable support and predicting concerning behaviors. [4] Additionally, Kelliher highlights successful pilot programs such as Emora, where AI solutions provided timely mental health support, reducing stigma and offering immediate assistance. [8] Given the potential of AI to revolutionize student support services, universities should initiate research and pilot programs to integrate AI-based solutions into their counseling centers.
3. Address staffing challenges.
The significant impact of COVID-19 on student mental health reveals an urgent need for more mental health clinicians. [1] AI mentors may support clinicians by handling lower-level tasks, freeing up professionals for complex cases. [10] Universities must address the staffing challenges faced by mental health clinicians and support personnel due to inadequate salary structures. By offering competitive salaries and benefits, institutions can attract and retain qualified professionals to bolster student support services.
Additionally, universities should explore innovative staffing models, such as partnerships with external counseling providers or telehealth services, to expand access to mental health resources for students. By investing in AI solutions now and gaining support from faculty unions early in the process, universities can better combat the fear of AI replacing clinicians with an understanding that it will simply be used to assist, not replace clinicians.
4. Embrace technological advancements.
Research shows virtual reality therapy can make mental health support more accessible and comfortable for students.2 Other investigators highlight the need to leverage technology to meet students’ digital habits and provide accessible mental health resources. [6] With college students increasingly relying on screen-based interactions and virtual communities, universities must embrace technological advancements to meet students where they are. Investing in AI-driven counseling platforms, virtual reality therapy and mobile applications can provide accessible support services that resonate with today’s tech-savvy students. By leveraging technology, universities can enhance the reach and effectiveness of their support initiatives, reducing barriers to accessing mental health resources.
5. Enhance threat detection and evaluation.
AI technology can help predict and prevent crime, balancing the importance of strict privacy protocols and the success of predictive analytics in identifying potential threats. [3] To maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving landscape, university police departments must prioritize staying at the forefront of threat detection and evaluation. This includes leveraging AI technology for predictive analytics and early intervention strategies. It is imperative that privacy and data security be paramount from day one to gain the trust and buy-in of our campus communities.
6. Build trust and collaboration.
COVID-19 researchers highlight the need for multidisciplinary collaboration to support student well-being, while others emphasize the role of AI in facilitating early intervention and support through enhanced data sharing among university departments. [4,11] Universities should foster trust and collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, including law enforcement, counseling services, academic advisors and student affairs professionals. By establishing clear communication channels and protocols for information sharing from the new AI technologies, universities can facilitate early intervention and support for students experiencing mental health challenges. Building on the already-established cultures of collaboration and transparency in university BIT teams is essential for creating a holistic approach.
Conclusion
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the behavioral dynamics of college and university campuses, particularly in California, was transformational. The prolonged social isolation and shift toward virtual interactions have presented unprecedented challenges in identifying and addressing student mental health concerns and risky behaviors. A comprehensive set of recommendations to improve quality and access to resources is the key to helping students of concern. By leveraging these technological advancements and embracing proactive strategies, universities can foster a safer and more supportive environment for their students.
References
1. Over 9 in 10 college students report mental health impacts from COVID-19. Best Colleges. October 2022.
2. Virtual reality could help make therapy easier. Edith Cowan University. ScienceDaily. January 2022.
3. Reese H. What happens when police use AI to predict and prevent crime? JSTOR Daily. February 2022.
4. Barrett M, Branson L, Carter S, et al. Using artificial intelligence to enhance educational opportunities and student services in higher education. Inquiry: The Journal of the Virginia Community Colleges. 2019.
5. Cholewa B, Schulthes G, Hull MF, et al. Building on what works: Supporting underprepared students through a low-cost counseling intervention. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice. 2017.
6. Parlak Sert H, Başkale H. Students’ increased time spent on social media, and their level of coronavirus anxiety during the pandemic, predict increased social media addiction. Health Information and Libraries Journal. 2022.
7. Arslan A. 5 AI chatbot mobile apps that aim to put a therapist in your pocket. MakeUseOf.com. 2023.
8. Kelliher R. Can – and should – chatbots help students navigate mental health crises? Diverse Education. 2021.
9. Reed S, Friedmann E, Kurlaender M, et al. California college students’ experiences during the global pandemic. California Student Aid Commission. June 2021.
10. White A. How AI mentors are the next step in learning. Chatbot News. 2019.
11. Tasso AF, Hisli Sahin N, San Roman GJ. COVID-19 disruption on college students: Academic and socioemotional implications. Psychological Trauma. 2021.
About the author
Christopher Jetton has been with the California State University Channel Islands Police Department since 2005 and currently serves as the administrative lieutenant, overseeing the investigations, training and communications units, as well as coordinating all community involvement, public information, hiring and backgrounds for the department. He serves as the director of transportation and parking services at CSUCI and is vice president of the Peace Officers Association of Ventura County. In his role overseeing investigations, he manages the sexual assault and threat management units, represents the police department on the university’s Behavioral Intervention Team and is a member of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from CSUCI and is pursuing a master’s in public administration. He is a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute and the California POST Command College.