New York State University Police – Protecting New York’s Future
The New York State University Police at New Paltz are a full time, full service police department, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
All New York State University Police Officers are fully certified police officers with full police powers, the same as all other police officers within New York State.
Officers will patrol the campus by vehicle, foot, bicycle and ATV at all times
The New York State University Police employ University Police Communications and Security Specialist which are certified police dispatchers for our 911 emergency call center on campus. In addition to their duties they also use the campuses CCTV system to virtually patrol the campus and relay information to officers in the field.
The Department practices community policing principles and provides educational crime awareness, crime prevention and safety programs for students.
The New York State University Police Department at New Paltz is a fully accredited law enforcement agency recognized by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)
Mission Statement
The State University of New York at New Paltz University Police Department is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and secure environment that is conducive to the educational mission of the college.
General Information
The New York State University Police is the primary agency responsible for safety, security and emergency response and crime prevention and detection on the campus. The department’s primary jurisdiction consists of all property owned and / or controlled by the college as well as adjacent and adjoining roadways. The University Police Department is available to respond to campus incidents 24 hours a day by calling (845) 257-2222 or simply 911 from a campus telephone. The New York State University Police station is located at Service Building on campus.
Recruitment
New York 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 New York State University Police officer, a person must:
- Be 21 years of age and not over 35 years at the time of the Civil Service test
- Be a New York State resident
- Have completed 60 college credit hours
- Possess a valid New York State driver’s license
- Pass a written Civil Service examination
- Pass a medical examination
- Have binocular acuity of 20/20 corrected or uncorrected, and no less than 20/100 uncorrected
- Pass a physical agility test (includes testing for cardiovascular and muscular endurance, strength, and flexibility)
- Pass a psychological examination
- Pass an extensive background investigation
- Pass 6 months of basic training at a regional Police Academy.
- Complete an 18 month 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 regional Police Academy.
View more information about becoming a NYS University Police Officer
Benefits
As an employee of New York State, a State University Police officer is eligible for many benefits. These benefits include:
- 13 paid holidays per year
- Up to 30 vacation days
- Annual paid uniform cleaning allowance.
- All safety related equipment will be supplied by SUNY
- Police and Fire Retirement System, 25 year half pay benefit regardless of age.
- 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
- Expanded duty 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 University Police can be obtained by contacting your nearest SUNY Department of University Police station or the Office of University Police, System 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).
