Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli (D-Syracuse) today announced that legislation he authored designating Syracuse University security officers as peace officers was signed into law (Ch. 654 of 2003).

“There’s no reason why officers at Syracuse University – who face similar dangers as city police officers – shouldn’t have law enforcement capabilities,” Magnarelli said. “Fundamentally, this is a public safety issue, and this law will now ensure that Syracuse University is the safe haven for learning that students expect and deserve.”

Previously, college security personnel had no law enforcement powers. As a result, during incidents requiring arrest or detention, these officers had to wait for local police to arrive.

“Now that this bill has become law, these peace officers will have the power to carry guns if licensed by the state and approved by the university and the Syracuse police chief; arrest individuals; conduct searches; and confiscate illegal weapons,” Magnarelli said. “This law will expand the legal authority and powers of university security staff, enabling them to do the job they’ve been trained to do by more effectively protecting the safety of university students and staff.”