State University of New York Police

The State University of New York Police are the campus police of the State University of New York (SUNY), the state university system of New York. Approximately 500 uniformed officers and 100 investigators and chiefs serve the 28 state college and university campuses throughout the state. [ [http://www.sunysb.edu/nysupd/ Stony Brook State University Police page] ]

University Police Officers are charged with the detection and prevention of crime and the enforcement of state and local laws and rules and regulations. Officers speak on topics such as sexual assault, drugs, crime prevention, and traffic safety and are responsible for developing and maintaining 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. These authorize a University Police Officer to make warrantless arrests based on probable cause; to use appropriate force in making an arrest; to issue uniform appearance tickets and traffic summonses and to execute arrest and bench warrants.

University Police Officers are assigned to fixed or rotating shifts involving patrol assignments or dispatch/desk posts.

Officers also can take advantage of statewide promotional opportunities. [ [http://www.cortland.edu/univpolice/dpscare.htm Cortland State University Police page] ]

History

The University Police were formed in response to the growing unrest that was taking place through the university system during the mid-1960s. Demonstrations and protests against the Vietnam War, the growing use of drugs, the questioning of authority, political movements with their sit-in demonstrations all contributed to the formation of today's University Police. While these events no longer have the magnitude they once had, the University Police provide much needed services to the university community. Through community policing, the UPD reaches out not only to the immediate campus community, but to the surrounding communities as well. The University Police serve as the police agency on campus. Officers have the powers of arrest, issue uniform traffic tickets, and enforce all New York State penal laws. [ [http://www.sunysb.edu/nysupd/ Stony Brook State University Police page] ]

Timeline

*1971 - First Campus Security Officer exam was given
*1972 - Security and Peace Officers were included in the Education Law
*1974 - First arming program conducted at S.U.N.Y. Albany
*1975 - Task force for Public Safety recommends move from Education Law to Penal Law
*1980 - The omnibus Peace Officer Bill was signed putting Public Safety Officer/University Police in the Criminal Procedure Law.
*1986 - Dr. Bruce McBride appointed as Director of Public Safety
*1995 - University Police name proposed
*1999 - January 1st: University Public Safety officers gain Police Officer status [ [http://www.sunysb.edu/nysupd/ Stony Brook State University Police page] ]

Training

All recruits undergo rigorous academic and physical training at the New York State Police Academy at Albany. The University Police Academy meets five days a week for 16 weeks with evening classes as required. Academic training includes: New York State penal law, criminal procedure law, first aid, CPR, role of campus law enforcement, defensive tactics, crisis intervention, multicultural diversity, and university issues. Exams are given on a weekly basis with a cumulative final exam at week 16.

Class lecturers are drawn from a cross section of the law enforcement community, including University Police Chiefs, University Police Officers, State Police, local and regional agencies. Each recruit is required to keep extensive notes on each class lecture. Notebooks are reviewed periodically by a staff member for content and neatness. There are four subject areas which must be successfully completed or the recruit may be dismissed from the program:

* First Responder - recruits are taught cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid and how to react as the first person at the scene.
* Fire Arms Training - firearms training is five days of intensive instruction which familiarizes the recruits with the safe handling of their duty weapon, basic fire arms instruction and various settings with which the officer needs to be familiar: barricades & cover, low level lighting and night fire training. All recruits are required to shoot two qualifying rounds before they are certified.
* Emergency Vehicle Operation (EVOC) - Emergency Vehicle Operation is a five day course which tests the recruits' abilities to handle high speed turns, off sets, three point turns, and backing through an obstacle course. All recruits are expected to complete all maneuvers within the allotted time frame.
* Defensive Tactics - Recruits are taught "take down" techniques, the use of handcuffs, come along holds, straight baton and riot control formations. All recruits must achieve a passing grade in all training areas.

Physical training covers two basic areas: weight training and running. All recruits are expected to show progress with all training programs and are monitored on a weekly basis for progress. Recruits begin their day with calisthenics and then move on to either the two mile run or weight training after which recruits shower, have breakfast, and then attend their academic classes. Weight training is held twice a week at the New York State Police Academy weight room. Both free weights and the universal weights are used. The two mile run is held on the Academy grounds, and each Friday all recruits are timed on the mile and one half run. These times are recorded so that progress can be monitored. The Friday runs are held on a quarter mile oval track. Recruits will be trained in close order drill, marching, and how to conduct themselves while at the New York State Police Academy. When housing is unavailable at the Academy, recruits are lodged at a nearby motel. Recruits are expected to maintain their rooms at the motel as if they were sleeping at the training academy. Room inspections by the academy staff are frequent. Violations of expected standards will result in disciplinary action. Recruits are expected to find their own way to the Academy and be prepared for the day's lesson. Academy uniforms and general appearance are closely monitored for violations of the standards. [ [http://www.sunysb.edu/nysupd/ Stony Brook State University Police page] ]

ee also

* List of law enforcement agencies in New York
* Campus police

Reference