Campus Crime Reporting
The New York State University Police Department (“UPD” or “Department”) is the law enforcement agency on campus, and as such, University Police Officers have all police powers of arrest under the New York State Penal & Criminal Procedure Laws. The Department records and investigates all complaints of on-campus crimes. UPD also has written memorandums of understanding with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) which deal with jurisdiction issues and areas of responsibility. UPD also collaborates and partners with the NYPD, the New York State Police, and other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies when needed or requested. Statistical information on crimes committed on the campus is forwarded monthly to the Division of Criminal Justice Services in Albany, New York for inclusion in the FBI Uniform Crime Report.
As part of our standard orientation process, UPD informs all students, faculty, and staff at all levels about how to report crimes that occur. Students, faculty, and employees are expected to promptly report any crime on or off-campus to the University Police Department. SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University (SUNY Downstate) has detailed policies regarding reports of Domestic Crimes and Workplace Violence, and all are encouraged and assisted in reporting crimes to both the University Police Department and the NYPD.
Potential criminal actions and other emergencies on campus should be reported promptly and directly by any student, faculty member or employee to the University Police by dialing (718) 270-2626 (or extension 2626 from any campus phone). Upon receipt of the call, personnel are dispatched immediately to the site of the complaint and, as noted above, University Police Officers have the authority to make arrests or conduct criminal investigations, if necessary.
Consistent with the SUNY Downstate Code of Conduct and Sexual Misconduct Policies, references made to confidentiality refer to the ability of identified confidential resources to not report crimes and violations to law enforcement or college officials without permission, except for extreme circumstances, such as a health and/or safety emergency or child abuse. References made to privacy mean SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University offices and employees who cannot guarantee confidentiality but will maintain privacy to the greatest extent possible, and information disclosed will be relayed only as necessary to investigate and/or seek a resolution and to notify a reporting officer, such as the Title IX Coordinator, who is responsible for tracking patterns and spotting systemic issues. SUNY Downstate will limit the disclosure as much as practicable, even if it is determined that the request for confidentiality cannot be honored.
The following Officials will provide privacy, but not confidentiality, upon receiving a report of conduct prohibited under this policy:
- Title IX Coordinator or designee
- Student Affairs Deans or Academic Deans or Faculty
- NYS University Police Department
The following Officials may provide confidentiality:
- Student Counseling Center
- Student Health Center
- Campus Clergy
Off Campus Incidents
If you are the victim of an off-campus incident, we strongly urge you to call 911 first, and then to notify the University Police/Public Safety Office at 718-270-2626.
Investigation of Violent Felony Offenses
Violent felony offenses are defined in subdivision one of section 70.02 of the New York State Penal Law to include, but are not limited to, degrees/classes of: murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, rape, sodomy, aggravated sexual abuse, assault, burglary, robbery, arson, criminal possession of a dangerous weapon, etc.
All members of the SUNY Downstate community are expected to immediately report all suspected or actual violent felony offenses occurring at or on the grounds of the University, to the University Police Department by dialing x2626 from a University telephone or (718) 270-2626 from a cell phone or off campus phone.
Investigation of Missing Students
A missing student is defined as any currently registered student of SUNY Downstate who has not been seen by friends, family members or associates for a reasonable length of time, and whose whereabouts have been questioned and brought to the attention of a member of the SUNY Downstate staff or faculty member.
The University Police will initiate an investigation when they are notified that a student, who resides in a SUNY Downstate operated residence is missing, with no reasonable explanation for their absence. Ordinarily, the investigation will be initiated immediately after this notification.
In the event the student does not reside in a SUNY Downstate-owned residence, the University Police will initiate an investigation which may include contacting other municipal or local police authorities.
Last Modified: July, 2024