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 positive relationships 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. As such, they are recognized as duly appointed Police Officers in New York State.
Officers can also 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 campus they serve. The first step is the Civil Service examination. The training of University Police Officers is both physically and mentally intensive. Officers receive training that includes penal law, criminal procedure law, first aid, CPR, defensive tactics, crisis intervention, firearms and other related topics. This training takes place over a 16-week period.