A: No. Since the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is already divided into different levels of officers, the department utilizes a similar model to include peace officers. The University presents candidates to the Syracuse chief of police, who makes the appointments. To be eligible for appointment as a peace officer, a Public Safety officer must earn that status by successfully completing a number of specific training and any other legal requirements. For those Public Safety officers who choose not to pursue this status or for those who cannot satisfy the requirements, another level of officer will be offered. Different levels of officers are distinguished visibly by uniforms, equipment worn, and other identification. Several peer institutions as well as some city police departments have been effectively utilizing multi-tiered organizations for one or more decades.