As you are well aware, it is also a college community. I have worked with the Campus Police over here for many years. Contrary to the public's belief, these officers are not security officers, but highly professional and well-trained police officers. These officers' training exceeds the mandated training time of the Bureau for Municipal Police. I feel that University Police, having the sworn duty to protect and serve the college community, should and must have not only the training but the equipment to fulfill their duties.
Firearms are only a necessary tool for any police officer.
It is beyond my comprehension that officers are expected to complete this duty of protecting the college community when they can not even protect themselves. I am well aware of numerous violent incidents on your campus involving weapons, where the Oneonta Police Department or State Police had to be called, allowing excessive time to elapse when trying to resolve a violent situation. I feel you should consider what has been happening all over this country in our high schools with tragic deaths caused by young people. This could well happen in our colleges. It would be a travesty if you waited for a situation like this to occur before your officers were properly equipped in order to maybe help save lives.