About Us

The University Police Department is staffed by 139 employees of whom 63 are sworn police officers. The department has jurisdiction over the 1,200 acre campus and its 125 buildings. While officers are not specifically assigned to residence halls, those halls are part of regular campus patrols. Trained officers are available to respond and assist around the clock throughout the year.

Prior to being appointed, an officer must have two years (60 credits) of college (although most have four-year degrees); pass a competitive exam; and pass an extensive background, physical, and psychological examination. Once appointed, new officers must pass the six month Basic Course for Police Officers given at the Suffolk County Police Academy. Police Officers coming from another agency who already passed the course are exempt. For more information about a career as a University Police Officer please view our brochure.

Additionally, officers receive continuous in-service training in topics that include crime prevention, CPR, bias-related crime, ethical awareness, multicultural diversity, crisis intervention, and firearms recertification. The University Police have a mutual aid agreement with the Suffolk County Police Department and a close working relationship with the New York State Police. Resources and crime information are routinely shared among these agencies.

The Department has two specialized patrol units to supplement the normal foot and vehicle patrol force. These are the Mountain Bike Unit and Scooter Unit.