The Daily Bulletin Archive

This past spring, Buffalo State contracted with a national firm to conduct a Public Safety Management Study (PSMS) to evaluate the college’s University Police Department’s (UPD) community policing approach and determine whether UPD has adopted an appropriate campus public safety model based on the operational procedures and overall safety and security policies of UPD.

Representatives from Margolis Healy, a professional services firm specializing in campus safety, security, and regulatory compliance for higher education and K–12, came to Buffalo State for an on-site visit from April 14 to 18. During the visit, the team reviewed the areas under consideration and conducted interviews in a mix of one-on-one and forum sessions, and met with members of the college’s leadership team.

The consultants' approach to the assessment included an in-depth examination of the following core areas: Written Directives; Agency Orientation (Internal); Communications and Dispatch Operations; Use of Technology; Operational Strategy; Crime Prevention, Community Policing, and Community Engagement; and External Orientation.

The report, provided to my office in October, presented six major sections to Buffalo State, including Methodology of Assessment, General Observations and Essential Challenges, Specific Observations, Master List of Recommendations, and Reference Materials.

It is evident that the men and women of Buffalo State's University Police Department are committed to effectively delivering the best services possible in a thoughtful, humane, sensitive, and efficient fashion. We on campus understand the invaluable work that individual members engage in each day to protect and provide a safe environment for our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors.

Through this important study, we have been left with solid recommendations to make our good police department even better. We will review and consider all recommendations, including reestablishing a community policing advisory committee, enhancing training, and reviewing operations.

I have faith that our campus leadership will collaborate with UPD over the coming months to identify UPD goals and objectives and align services to meet those goals and objectives.

I look forward to working with faculty, student, and staff leadership to consider these opportunities for the future.

You’ll find the full study on the Finance and Management home page: http://financeandmanagement.buffalostate.edu.