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HVCC Expands Campus Safety Strategy and Authorizes Armed Peace Officers to Enhance Emergency Preparedness

At its January 27 meeting, the Hudson Valley Community College Board of Trustees approved a plan to strengthen campus safety and emergency preparedness. The plan includes the implementation of a comprehensive college safety strategy and authorizes the college president to permit sworn campus peace officers to carry firearms. These actions are intended to enhance campus security, improve emergency response capabilities and align the college with established best practices across the State University of New York (SUNY) system and nationwide.

Hudson Valley is one of only four of SUNY’s 30 community colleges that has not previously authorized armed peace officers. Following extensive training and the implementation of comprehensive policies during the spring semester, peace officers authorized by the college president will be equipped to carry firearms as part of the college’s ongoing commitment to safety and preparedness.

Additionally, a comprehensive college-wide safety plan is being implemented in coordination with student, employee and community stakeholder groups. The plan is designed to strengthen the college’s ability to respond effectively to serious incidents while ensuring perspectives from across the campus community are reflected.

“Our foremost responsibility is the safety of our campus community,” said Hudson Valley President Michael Brophy. “After a careful review of national standards and extensive discussions with students and employee governance groups, we believe this transition is a thoughtful, responsible and necessary step forward.”

Dr. Robert Whitaker, president of the Faculty Association stated, “A safe work environment in our classrooms, labs, offices and workspaces across campus has long been a top priority for the members of the HVCC Faculty Association. We recognize the steps the college has taken over the past year to strengthen campus safety and appreciate the administration’s continued engagement on this issue. The decision to equip peace officers with firearms, when accompanied by appropriate training, oversight and clearly defined safety protocols, is intended to further support that goal. The college’s emphasis on transparency, accountability and clear communication will remain important as these measures are implemented, and we look forward to continuing to work with the college to help improve the safety of our campus.”

According to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Survey of Campus Law Enforcement Agencies, approximately 95% of public safety and police agencies serving four-year colleges authorize the use of handguns for full-time sworn officers, including 98% of agencies serving public institutions. Similar patterns exist among community colleges with sworn peace officers, who possess full arrest authority under New York State law and are required to intervene in violent or life-threatening situations.

“This transition aligns Hudson Valley with national best practices for campus safety,” said Michael Eaton, director of Public Safety. “Our officers prioritize de-escalation and collaboration, and this authorization ensures they have the training and tools needed to serve the campus community safely and professionally.”

Staffing, Training, and Accountability

Hudson Valley’s sworn peace officers are certified through New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services academies and receive annual firearms training. Officers have trained at the Zone 5 Law Enforcement Training Academy in Schenectady or the New York State Police Academy in Albany, and the department includes certified firearms instructors. Additionally, sworn peace officers will wear body-worn cameras configured to automatically activate if a firearm is removed from its holster.

Assessment-Driven Improvements and Recent Enhancements

The decision follows a comprehensive assessment process. In October 2025, Hudson Valley convened a task force to review policies, assessment data, stakeholder input and implementation considerations related to campus safety. The task force will continue its work throughout the academic year to support implementation and ensure alignment with best practices.

Over the past year, the college has made significant investments to strengthen emergency response, campus security and community engagement. Examples include expanded patrol and response capabilities through the addition of golf carts, e-bikes, and patrol vehicles, as well as GPS integration with the county 911 center.

The college has also upgraded communications systems with new two-way radios and mobile devices, improving interoperability with law enforcement and fire partners. Personnel enhancements underway include hiring additional peace officers and security officers; equipping officers with non-lethal defensive tools; expanding training across law enforcement, emergency medical services, emergency management, and school safety disciplines; and assigning an officer to participate on county behavioral threat assessment teams.

Infrastructure improvements include expanded and upgraded CCTV systems and body-worn cameras; enhanced access control systems; additional panic alarms; new building access points; a backup fire alarm monitoring panel; and license-plate-alert-capable camera technology.

In addition, the department has increased visibility and engagement by opening a community engagement center; participating in campus committees and stakeholder groups; teaching and presenting in College Forum classes; hosting safety trainings for students and employees; revitalizing its social media presence; and reinforcing a people-first community policing philosophy centered on strong relationships with students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

Newly formed college safety committees will build on this work and guide continued improvements to campus safety, preparedness, and coordination.

Preparedness as Part of a Broader Safety Strategy

While campus crime rates remain extremely low, as reflected in Clery Act data, college leadership emphasized the importance of preparedness as part of a comprehensive safety strategy.

“Preparedness complements prevention,” Brophy said. “It ensures institutions are ready to respond quickly and responsibly when rare but serious incidents occur.”

The college prioritizes prevention, support services and transparency through behavioral threat assessment teams; mental health crisis response and counseling; environmental safety improvements; inclusive community input; and clear safety reporting.

“Safety is fundamental to our mission,” Brophy said. “This work reflects a careful, evidence-informed approach to protecting our campus while maintaining a safe and supportive learning and work environment.”