A: Peace officer status enhances the Department of Public Safety's (DPS) excellent working relationship with the Syracuse Police Department (SPD). The two departments work together to investigate and solve cases involving Syracuse University community members. Specifically, peace officer status allows Public Safety officers to participate more in these investigations via supplementary access to federal, state and local law enforcement databases, and added participation in law enforcement associations and networks. DPS also communicates directly with the SPD and other law enforcement agencies in the area if a serious crime is committed in the University area. A memorandum of understanding currently exists to incorporate new operating protocols between SPD and DPS under peace officer status.