Bill > S04707

This bill aims to centralize and restructure the State University of New York (SUNY) police force by establishing a single commissioner of state university police with comprehensive supervisory authority over all university police officers across New York. The legislation seeks to address inefficiencies in the current campus police structure by creating a unified command system modeled after successful law enforcement organizations like the New York State Police. Key provisions include: creating a new position of commissioner of state university police who will have the power to appoint and oversee all university police officers, eliminating additional high-level police appointments within the SUNY system, expanding the geographic area of employment for these officers to encompass all of New York State, and ensuring that newly appointed police officers complete law enforcement training within one year of appointment. The bill also allows the police commissioner to establish written agreements with adjoining law enforcement agencies for off-campus authority and mutual assistance. The legislature emphasizes that this centralized approach will maintain each campus's individual character while providing more consistent and professional security across SUNY campuses, with the ultimate goal of ensuring a safe environment for students and staff.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4707