Commission backs campus crime measure

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - The Virginia State Crime Commission has endorsed legislation to improve cooperation between campus police and local police departments.

The measure to require "mutual aid agreements" for handling death and sexual assault cases on college campuses will be part of the commission's legislative package for the 2012 General Assembly. The panel voted to back the measure at its meeting Tuesday.

Democratic Del. Paula Miller of Norfolk originally proposed divesting campus police of authority over such investigations, citing potential conflicts with college administrators. Campus police objected, and Miller submitted a revised bill that takes the more collaborative approach.

In response to the Penn State sexual abuse scandal, the commission also voted to add college employees to the list of professionals required to report suspected child abuse.