A University Police Officer is responsible for the detection and prevention of crime, and the enforcement of state and local laws, rules and regulations in a diverse educational environment throughout twenty-eight State University of New York campuses. Officers are part of the educational process. They speak on topics such as sexual assault, drugs, crime prevention, and traffic safety. They develop and maintain a positive relationship with students, faculty and staff in order to ensure the safety and cooperation of the entire campus community. University Police Officers receive their official powers through the Education Law and the Criminal Procedure Law.
Officers also can take advantage of statewide promotional opportunities.
Whatever the assignment, wherever the opportunity, University Police Officers perform their duties consistent with the educational mission of the campuses they service. The training at the University Police Academy is physically and mentally intensive. Officers receive training that includes penal law, criminal procedure law, first aid, CPR, role of campus law enforcement, defensive tactics, crisis intervention, multi-cultural diversity, and university issues. Officers also receive the same firearms training that all police officers in New York State receive and must satisfactorily complete this portion of the training. In addition, all armed Officers must qualify twice a year.