NC State students ask university to cut ties with Raleigh Police Department

After two nights of looting and riots on May 30-31, protests in downtown Raleigh were mainly peaceful for the rest of the week, and only a handful of people were arrested for breaking curfew. By the second night of the curfew, Raleigh police worked with protesters to use discretion and allow them to continue rallying peacefully several hours past curfew.

In the email, the school reminded students, staff and faculty that N.C. State has its own police force and 911 call center, and that N.C. State officers are the first responders to campus emergencies.

"It is important to clarify that N.C. State has its own independent, fully sworn and equipped police department trained and dedicated to serve the university community," the email read.

The message went on to say that university police "patrols university property, investigates crimes, delivers safety education programs on campus and enforces North Carolina law."

Occasionally, N.C. State police work with the Raleigh Police Department, particularly in off-campus situations or incidents that require a bomb squad or hazmat team.

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N.C. State did specify what concerns students had with Raleigh police but released a statement about the protests and call to action.

"First and foremost, we join you in denouncing and condemning the lethal force used by police against George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and many others," the email read. "We join in the call for the immediate end of police violence against black people all across our country."

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The school said it will host a town hall-style meeting in the third week of June to address the concerns that have been raised by students.

A date and time was not released.