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Public Safety Policies & Procedures

Mission Statement
The City University of New York Public Safety Services is dedicated to providing excellence in protection and service to the University community. As law enforcement officers and security professionals we shall continuously endeavor to ensure a safe and secure environment conducive to a positive social and educational process. This mission is exemplified by our department motto, “Service, Integrity and Pride”. 

Public Safety Authority
Hostos Community College’s main campus grounds, the contiguous geographic perimeter of the main campus, the off-campus sites, the entry gates, and the parking areas are patrolled on a 24-hour basis by Public Safety Officers. Public Safety Officers are sworn law enforcement/NYS Peace Officers under Criminal Procedure Law 2.10 subsection 79 and have the power to make arrests in compliance with New York State Criminal Procedure Law Peace Officers Law.  Public Safety Peace Officers receive training in accordance with the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (NYS DCJS) training requirements for Public Safety Officers.  Officers also participate in continual in-service training to maintain state compliance.  At Hostos Community College, incidents of a criminal nature that are reported to a Peace Officer are referred, with the complainant’s consent, to the New York City Police Department.  The Public Safety Department conducts administrative investigations involving CUNY policies, rules and regulations. These investigations may involve students, staff, and visitors on college property. Appropriate referrals necessitating further review and action may be made to the Student Affairs and/or Human Resources. 

The Department consists of 1 Director, 2 Lieutenants, 7 Sergeants, 2 Specialists and 27 Peace Officers assigned to patrol the campus. Additionally, the college employs 11 Campus Security Assistants. At any given time, contract security officers may be used to fill vacancies. Campus
Security Assistants and contract security officers are licensed as NYS Licensed Security Guards and do not have arrest powers (outside of the powers of a private citizen). 

The Public Safety Department oversees the electronic intrusion detection system that protects various buildings, access control turnstile systems, approximately 318 security surveillance cameras and the college’s fire protection system, to enhance the safety of the college community. 

Off Campus Organizations Crimes and Safety Hazard Monitoring
Hostos Community College does not have facilities for housing or sleeping. The College does not maintain any off-campus buildings or property. The College does not have any recognized off-campus student organizations, buildings or property. 

WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
The Hostos Community College Public Safety Department maintains a cooperative relationship with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. A written Memorandum of Understanding exists between CUNY colleges and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in compliance with New York State Law.  The NYPD provides the college with crime statistics for incidents that occurred within the geographical area of the campus in compliance with the Department of Education’s Students Right to Know Act.