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Outside view of University Police Station

University Police

The New York State University Police Department is the agency responsible for law enforcement and public safety on campus. In partnership with the SUNY Oswego community, we are committed to providing a safe and secure educational environment.

The department is staffed by trained, professional police officers, who have statewide jurisdiction for all crimes. The University Police Department is available to respond to campus incidents 24 hours a day at 315-312-5555 or by dialing 5555 on a campus telephone.

University Police Chief Scott Swayze

Welcome from the Chief

University Police officers at SUNY Oswego are known by our community as being professional, knowledgeable, courageous, helpful and friendly. Our exceptional staff is comprised of New York State certified sworn police officers, communication specialists and a dedicated team of civilian support and clerical staff. 

University Police is here to help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  Please call 315-312-5555, email us at [email protected], or come see us in Pathfinder Hall. Whether you are a current student, prospective student, parent or visitor, please feel free to contact me directly any time you may have questions or concerns.

Scott Swayze 
Chief of University Police

Chief's Biography

University Police YouTube Channel

Safety alerts

The college will provide the campus community with timely notice in the form of Safety Alerts of any situation that may pose a threat to the community in a manner that does not divulge the identity of the person(s) who reported the incident.  Safety Alerts may come in the form of:

  • campus e-mails 
  • messages from the college's Office of Communications and Marketing
  • notices via the campus media such as Campus Update or the Oswegonian.

Timely Warnings and Safety Alerts will be disseminated in a coordinated manner through collaboration between University Police, Student Affairs, Office of Communications and Marketing and the college administration.

It is important that each students, faculty, and staff sign up to receive safety alert messages through New York Alert. The NY Alert system is tested weekly to publishers and each semester to all enrolled users. By enrolling, the college will be able to provide email, text, cell and hard line phone alert notifications when an emergency occurs that may impact the safety of the campus. In addition to this system, the college uses digital TV stations, the Office of Communications and Marketing and various other siren and broadcast systems to notify the community when an emergency is occurring.

Records

Records Division personnel process, maintain and store numerous types of reports on a daily basis. The division generates and submits statistical information for the Jeanne Clery Disclosures of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). Our department will not supply copies of reports such as motor vehicle accidents, lost and found, etc. to individuals. The department will work directly with Insurance companies if needed.

Officers utilize IMPACT for computerized records management to generate all reports. Officers are able to submit these reports wirelessly by using Mobile Computer Terminals from their patrol vehicles.  These police reports are submitted to records for processing after a supervisor approves them. Records personnel use the system for review, easy retrieval, and analysis of the data submitted.

About the Job

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 throughout 28 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. These laws authorize a University Police officer to:

  • Make warrantless arrests based on probable cause 
  • Use appropriate force in making an arrest
  • Issue uniform appearance tickets and traffic summonses
  • Execute warrants of arrests

University Police officers are assigned to fixed or rotating shifts involving patrol assignments or dispatch/desk posts.

Officers also can 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 service.

Training

The six months of training at a regional Police Academy is physically and mentally intensive. Officers receive training that includes penal law, criminal procedure law, first aid, CPR, defensive tactics, crisis intervention and multi-cultural diversity.

Officers must satisfactorily qualify with their issued handgun as well as shotgun and/or patrol rifle semi annually.

Requirements

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 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 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 20/100 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 a18 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.

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
To Apply

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 the campus Department of University Police station or:

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:

New York State Department of Civil Service
Staffing Services
Building 1
State Campus
Albany, New York 12239
518-457-5218

General Questions

For general questions, please use one of the following: 

Please note that email and our anonymous concerns form are to be used by the public to ask general questions and/or provide information to University Police. These should not be used to officially report an incident. E-forms and emails are not always reviewed every day. Contact University Police by phone or in person to file a report.

Complimenting an Officer

University Policing is not always an easy job. Due to the nature of police work, most people come in contact with officers during difficult circumstances. On other occasions, officers interact with citizens by holding them accountable for violations of the law. Sometimes officers provide services that are requested and appreciated. Our officers are on the job 24 hours a day, seven days a week including all holidays. All employees of the New York State University Police at SUNY Oswego constantly strive to serve in a professional, courteous and fair manner.

If you would like to compliment the conduct and/or actions of a University Police officer, please call or email us. You can also submit a compliment (Compliment Form pdf) in writing using the address below.

Complaints

University Police takes all complaints seriously regarding the service provided by the department and the conduct of its members. To submit a complaint, print a Citizen Complaint Form (PDF) or obtain a form at the University Police Station in Pathfinder Hall, then return the completed form to University Police. 

University Police

Pathfinder Hall 
SUNY Oswego 
Oswego, NY 13126 

GPS coordinates:
43.450660, -76.547837

Contact Us

Phone: 315-312-5555

Email: [email protected]

Emergency Numbers

Campus ambulance: 315-312-5555
Emergency: 911
Oswego City Police: 911
Oswego County Sheriff's Department: 911