Bill > A05887

This bill aims to restructure and centralize the State University of New York (SUNY) police force by creating a single commissioner of state university police with comprehensive authority over all university police officers across the state. The legislation addresses perceived inefficiencies in the current campus police structure by establishing a unified command and rank system modeled after successful law enforcement organizations like the New York State Police. Key provisions include appointing a sworn commissioner who will have supervisory and administrative authority over all university police officers, eliminating further appointments to high-ranking police positions within the university system, and expanding the geographic area of employment for these officers to essentially the entire state of New York. The bill also mandates that police officers complete law enforcement training within one year of appointment and allows the commissioner to establish written agreements with adjoining law enforcement agencies for off-campus authority and mutual assistance. The legislature's intent is to create a more professional, standardized, and effective campus law enforcement system that can adapt to the individual needs of diverse SUNY campuses while maintaining a centralized management approach. The changes will take effect on the first of January following the bill's passage.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5887