Officer Qualifications and Job Information
University Police Department
The Job
A Campus Public Safety 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.
Public Safety Officers receive their official powers through the Education Law and the Criminal Procedure Law. These authorize a Public Safety 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.
Campus Public Safety Officers are assigned to fixed or rotating shifts involving patrol assignments or dispatch/desk posts.
Officers also can take advantage of statewide promotional opportunities.
Whatever the assignment, wherever the opportunity, Public Safety Officers perform their duties consistent with the educational mission of the campuses they service.
The Training
The training at the Public Safety 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.
If an Officer's campus requires that he/she must be armed, the same firearms training that all police officers in New York State receive must be satisfactorily completed. In addition, all armed Officers must qualify twice a year.
The Requirements
State University of New York Public Safety Officers must meet the highest standards in New York State, as well as in the country, for law enforcement officers.
To become a SUNY Public Safety 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
- have binocular acuity of 20/20 corrected or uncorrected, and no less than 20/40 uncorrected
- pass a physical agility test
- pass a psychological examination
- pass an extensive background investigation
- pass 13 weeks of basic training administered by SUNY at the New York State Police Academy in Albany.
- complete a probationary period of employment.
The first step is the Civil Service examination. Following notification of a successful score, candidates must then pass the oral interview and all medical/psychological testing. Upon successful completion of the selection process, all recruits begin training at the New York State Police Academy.
The Benefits
As an employee of New York State, a SUNY Campus Public Safety Officer is eligible for many benefits. These benefits include:
- thirteen paid holidays per year
- annual paid uniform cleaning allowance.
- All safety related equipment will be supplied by SUNY
- New York State retirement system
- choice among several medical and dental programs
- optional long-and short-term disability coverage
- employer-paid life insurance with employee-paid option to increase level of coverage
- voluntary enrollment in local credit union
- special event overtime opportunities
- shift differential pay.
The State University of New York is an equal opportunity Affirmative Action employer. Women and under-represented (African, Asian, Hispanic and Native-American) persons are encouraged to apply for entrance examinations.
Further information regarding careers in SUNY Public Safety can be obtained by contacting your nearest SUNY Department of Public Safety station or the Office of University Public Safety, Central Administration, SUNY Plaza, Albany, New York 12246 (518-443-5116).
Dates and applications for entrance examinations can be obtained from the above or from your nearest New York State Employment Office. Particular questions regarding your qualifications for the examination can also be directed to the New York State Department of Civil Service, Staffing Services, Building 1, State Campus, Albany, New York 12239 (518-457-5218).
(from the brochure "Pursue a Career as a State University of New York Campus Public Safety Officer")
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