University Police Employment
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. These positions are found throughout the 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.
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.
University Police Officers are assigned to fixed or rotating shifts involving patrol assignments or dispatch/desk posts. 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 campuses they serve.
Requirements
State University Police Officers must meet the highest standards in New York State, as well as in the country, for law enforcement officers. 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
- 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 a Municipal Police Training Council approved police academy
- Complete a probationary period of employment
The first step is the Civil Service examination.
Training
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 will take place at a regional police academy.
Benefits
As an employee of New York State, a University Police Officer is eligible for many benefits. They include:
- Thirteen paid holidays per year
- Annual paid uniform cleaning allowance
- All safety-related equipment will be supplied by S.U.N.Y.
- 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.
Further information regarding careers in University Police can be obtained by contacting your nearest University Police Department or the Office of University Police, Central Administration, SUNY Plaza, Albany, New York 12246 (518-443-5116).
Specific questions regarding our qualifications for the exam can be directed to the New York State Department of Civil Service, Staffing Services, Building 1, State Campus, Albany, NY 12239 (518-457-5218).