Skip to main content

Divisions

A person riding a bike through a path determined by road cones

Bike Patrol Division

The NYS University Police at Oswego have operated a dedicated bicycle patrol since late 1993. The program was created by Lt. Kirk Coates as a pro-active addition to standard vehicular and foot patrols. The bike patrol has proven invaluable in the department’s approach to community policing. The original patrol consisted of Lt. Coates and three officers. Currently, the bike patrol members are Lt. Dave Miller, Officer Sabin, Officer Bullard, and Officer Martin. 

All bike officers are certified as police cyclists through IPMBA (International Police Mountain Bike Association) or through the New York State certification program. Both programs are 40-hour training sessions including bike familiarization, handling skills, basic mechanics, traffic safety, suspect contacts and a firearms course involving bicycle use. Three of the team members are New York State instructors.  SUNY Oswego hosts this training on a yearly basis. The bike squad rides Trek Police mountain bikes and all riders have been outfitted in Olympic Uniforms by J. Marcel.

The University Police Department has found the bike patrol to be a valuable asset in community policing and crime detection. Officers have patrolled events on bicycle such as the City of Oswego’s Harborfest. This festival annually draws an estimated 300,000 people to a city of 20,000 for a four day weekend in July. The ability to patrol on bicycles provided better coverage and ease of movement throughout the city. University Police have also been involved in the education of our youth in the form of Bicycle Rodeos showing proper and safe riding techniques and other in school programs in various school districts.

The University Police remind all cyclists to ride safely at all times and recommends helmet use on all rides. Lights at night are a must in New York. Fire them up and have a great ride! Any questions regarding safe cycling may be directed to 315-312-5555 or emailed to [email protected]. See more on laws pertaining to bikes and skates.

Communications Division

SUNY Oswego understands the importance of good communication between our agency and the community we serve. The Communications Division is the vital link between police, citizens, emergency medical service, and the fire department. Professionally trained and qualified dispatchers provide information to police officers and the community that is essential to campus safety. One of the most important aspects of law enforcement is communicating with its police officers; often, dispatchers are the first line of communication between the community and police.

The Communications Center is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by Police Dispatchers who are under the supervision of Police Lieutenants. The University Police Department is located at in Pathfinder Hall. To report emergencies, call 315-312-5555,  or from a campus phone5555 or 911. Communication Officers assigned to this division are the primary point of contact for emergency and non-emergency requests for police services. Dispatchers are trained to determine the type of response that is needed.

Lost and Found

If your name or other form of ID is with the item, you can call 315-312-5555 to claim your property. Police personnel make every attempt to notify owners of identifiable property. Cash or items having a high dollar value can only be retrieved by appointment, as they are kept in a high-security safe. Check for missing keys, glasses, clothing, notebooks/binders and other miscellaneous items at the University Police Department. Due to the volume of these items, police personnel cannot tell you over the phone if we have these items.

State-issued keys that allow access to campus properties are turned in and the Locksmith is consulted to identify owner.

If you have lost your SUNY Oswego ID card, contact ID and Dining, Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, at 315.312.2588.

Other points on campus where found property is frequently turned in include the Marano Campus Center Help Desk at 315.312.6789 and the Main Circulation Desk at Penfield Library 315.312.2560; however, all property is eventually turned over to University Police by the staff members at these two locations.

All found property is to be turned over to law enforcement. There are usually provisions for you to claim found property you turn in after the required time period has lapsed and attempts have been made to return the property to the  owner.

Items Routinely Taken In

  • Cell phones
  • Wallets/purses
  • Driver's licenses
  • ATM cards
  • Electronic equipment

Found an item? 

Bring it to the University Police Office at Pathfinder Hall.

Lost an Item? 

File a Lost Property Report in person with University Police.

Criminal Investigations Division

The Criminal Investigation Division is responsible for providing the follow-up investigation required to solve reported offenses. The Criminal Investigation Division is also responsible for developing the intelligence necessary to pro-actively prevent criminal activity. The investigator's duties include following up on criminal cases, misdemeanors, and felonies.

Many of the crimes investigated by CID are "crimes of opportunity." These types of crimes often involve unattended property or unlocked doors to offices, residence hall rooms and vehicles. Valuable property should always be kept secure and out of sight.

Through the hard work and dedication of the members of this division, the University Police Department is capable of providing its citizens with quality investigative services. The Criminal Investigations Division is headed by Assistant Chief Evan Proulx and staffed with Investigator Marrone and various patrol officers as needed. Call 315-312-1022.

Procedures for Reporting a Crime

  • Notify University Police immediately if you think a crime or suspicious activity is occurring.
  • Be prepared to describe the situation, suspect or stolen item in as much detail as possible.
  • Report any new information immediately to 315-312-5555. From a campus phone, dial 5555.
  • Take down plate numbers of suspicious vehicles, and details of physical appearance of suspicious persons and events.
  • Report things that appear out of place or any suspicious activity immediately.
  • Report solicitors immediately.
  • Be prepared to give accurate descriptions of race, age, gender, appearance, location, etc.

Remember: Only you can decide which course of action is appropriate in each case.

For your own safety do not approach or engage the individuals yourself. Call UPD at 315-312-5555 or 911 from an on-campus phone.

Reporting a Threatening Individual

A threatening individual is any person who you determine to be a threat to you or those around you. The individual may have a gun or knife or just make you suspicious because of their behavior. They may be acting aggressively or appear under the influence of drugs/alcohol.  Trust your instincts and keep yourself safe by creating distance between you and the person(s).

  • Whether the individual poses an immediate threat to you or not, notify the police at 315-312-5555 or 5555 from a campus phone. Be prepared to provide a situation assessment.
  • Be realistic about your ability to protect yourself. Stay calm and avoid conflict. If possible, seek protection in a classroom/office that locks and has phone access. Leave the building immediately if this does not put you at risk with the individual.

Remember the police will appreciate you reporting suspicious activity whether or not it ends up being an actual crime in progress.

A University Police patrol car

Patrol Division

The Patrol Division is dedicated to maintaining a positive educational environment for the SUNY Oswego community. One of the primary responsibilities of the Patrol Division is conducting high-visibility patrol, serving as a deterrent to criminal activity and remaining accessible to members of the community. These officers conduct initial investigations of all crimes reported on campus and assist with reports off campus. Some of the incidents patrol officers respond to include:

  • Crimes in progress 
  • Fire alarms
  • Traffic accidents
  • Reports of suspicious activity
  • Requests for assistance ranging from medical emergencies to motorist assists

Officers patrol using traditional marked and unmarked cruisers, sport utility vehicles and mountain bikes. The department has recently obtained a Yamaha ATV, which will assist in monitoring construction sites and the wooded areas on campus. The department also utilizes foot patrols, where officers spend their shifts walking in academic buildings, residence halls and out on the street! All of our marked patrol vehicles have Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) that will provide life saving intervention for heart attacks victims. All personnel are certified first responders .

We are proud of the quality service we provide, and the prompt, courteous, professional image we portray. No matter which officer you may meet, each and every member of the Patrol Division will enthusiastically do his or her best to respond to any given situation.

The Patrol Division Commander is Assistant Chief Evan Proulx with Lieutenants Matthew Barbeau, Dave Miller and Robert Vaccarelli supervising various shifts.

Compliments

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 of the 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 in writing using the address below.

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