Community Policing

Buffalo State University is committed to actively promoting community involvement through progressive community oriented policing strategies, problem-solving, and a commitment to education.

Buffalo State University values positive relationships between and among all members of the Buffalo State University community and the University Police.  In order to enhance the quality of the academic life at Buffalo State University, ensure the safety of its members and promote equal partners in policing, a supportive community oriented approach to law enforcement is required. Therefore, we adopt and share the following Community Policing philosophy to make our intentions clear.

Buffalo State University approaches community oriented policing as a philosophy designed to create an environment that focuses on crime prevention and problem-solving through the establishment of partnerships among University Police, students, staff, faculty, and campus visitors.  The Community Policing Advisory Committee is a standing committee of the university advising the President and the Vice President for Finance and Management on the community oriented policing philosophy and problem-solving initiatives of the SUNY Buffalo State campus community in partnership with the University Police Department.

Community policing means that police officers work closely with community members to promote safety and security. Because community policing requires the involvement of both community members and police officers, University Police officers take part in many campus activities including new student orientation programs, the coalition building team, and the Students of Concern Committee. Officers also sit on college committees such as those for commencement, homecoming, and the CARE team.

The department has developed productive working partnerships with Campus Services, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program, the Counseling Center, the Dean of Students Office, Residence Life Office, United Students Government (USG) and its student organizations, Weigel Health Center, and other campus groups.

The cooperation between University Police, the Buffalo Police Department, and the community has resulted in many specific benefits: underage drinking prevention programs, initiatives to respond to and prevent school violence, and self-defense programs. Most importantly, the campus and its police officers work together to maintain a safe, friendly campus.