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Qualifications

Job

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 and 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. These powers 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 warrants of arrests.


Whatever the assignment, wherever the opportunity, University Police Officers perform their duties consistent with the educational mission of the campuses they serve.

Training

Training at a local Bureau of Municipal Police certified police academy is physically and mentally intensive. Officers study the New York State Penal Law, the New York State Criminal Procedure Law, first aid, CPR , the role of campus law enforcement, defensive tactics, crisis intervention, multi-cultural diversity, and university issues. Officers also receive firearms training and must qualify twice a year.

Requirements

University Police Officers meet the highest police standards in New York State.

To become a University Police Officer, a person must:

  • Be 21 years of age
  • Be a New York State resident
  • Have completed 60 college credit hours
  • Possess a valid New York State drivers license
  • Pass a written Civil Service examination
  • Pass a medical examination
  • Pass a drug screening test
  • Have a binocular acuity of 20/20 corrected or uncorrected and no less than 20/100 uncorrected
  • Pass a physical agility test (includes testing for cardiovascular and muscular endurance, strength, and flexibility)
  • Pass a psychological evaluation
  • Pass an extensive background investigation
  • Complete the New York State Basic Police Officer course
  • The position is subject to an employment probationary period of between 52 and 78 weeks

    • The candidates first step is successful completion of the Civil Service examination for University Police Officer. Candidates must then pass the oral interview and all medical/psychological testing. Upon successful completion of the selection process, all recruits attend basic training at a certified Bureau of Municipal Police Academy.

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