A: New York State law grants peace officers additional authorities similar to, but not always identical to, those of police. As peace officers, Public Safety officers have more authorities than they do as Public Safety officers with enhanced authority. These authorities include:

• the authority to take into custody apparent mentally ill individuals who may harm themselves or others;
• the authority to enforce orders of protection in relationship violence cases;
• the authority to carry out warrantless searches;
• the authority to issue appearance tickets on trespassing and other lesser offenses;
• the authority to transport and book arrestees who have committed serious offenses;
• the authority to issue simplified vehicle and traffic law violations;
• the authority to seize open containers of alcoholic beverages from individuals under 21 years of age.

As peace officers, Public Safety officers exercise these duties in their geographical employment areas, which include on campus, non-campus property owned by SU, and the contiguous areas around these properties. Responses outside these geographic employment areas are limited and occur only in consultation with local authorities.

Carrying out the additional duties of peace officers can place SU Public Safety officers in potentially dangerous situations. Therefore, the University believes that as a matter of protection those Public Safety officers commissioned as peace officers need to carry firearms -- as allowed by the legislation -- once they have met the requirements to obtain a permit, undergone additional background checks, and completed firearms training.