From the Chief of University Police

Buffalo State University is committed to continually evaluating and enhancing the tools, technologies, and practices that support the safety and well-being of our campus community. These updates reflect an ongoing commitment to aligning our campus safety program with evolving best practices, technological advancements, and emerging standards in higher education.

Transition from Blue Light Phones

Buffalo State University will begin removing the blue light phones on campus this summer. While these phones have long served as a visible symbol of campus safety, their removal reflects changes in how members of our community access emergency services and ongoing advancements in safety infrastructure.

The decision to phase out the blue light phone system is based on several factors, including the widespread use of cellular devices, minimal usage over the past 27 years, the increasing cost of maintaining aging infrastructure, and the availability of more modern, integrated safety solutions.

This transition is part of a broader effort to enhance campus safety through tools that improve awareness, communication, and response capabilities. In recent years, Buffalo State has expanded surveillance camera coverage across campus, implemented license plate readers to support investigations, and invested in technologies designed to strengthen emergency preparedness and response.

As a reminder, anyone on campus can continue to reach University Police by calling (716) 878-6333 at any time, day or night. University Police also remains available in person at Karner Hall.

Coming Soon: The Buffalo State Safety App

As part of this modernization effort, Buffalo State will soon launch a new campus safety application powered by Omnilert, the same platform used for Buff State Alert emergency notifications.

The Buffalo State Safety App will provide direct access to University Police, campus safety resources, emergency information, and additional tools designed to help keep our community informed and connected. Features will include streamlined communication with University Police and mobile safety resources accessible directly from your smartphone.

Additional information, including download instructions, app features, and registration details, will be shared with the campus community closer to launch.

Introducing the Standard Response Protocol – Higher Education (SRP-HED)

Buffalo State is also pleased to announce that it is participating in a SUNY pilot initiative to adopt the Standard Response Protocol – Higher Education (SRP-HED) developed by the I Love U Guys Foundation.

SRP-HED is an all-hazards emergency response framework designed to prepare institutions for a wide range of incidents, including severe weather, medical emergencies, hazardous material events, off-campus threats, and acts of violence. This protocol has been adopted by many colleges and universities across the country and aligns with emergency response practices already familiar to many current and incoming students throughout their K–12 education.

As a participant in the SUNY pilot program, Buffalo State will pursue implementation of SRP-HED through a thoughtful, phased approach. We recognize that this represents a change for many faculty and staff members, and that adopting a new emergency response framework takes time. 

Over time, the university will provide information, education, training opportunities, and resources to help members of the campus community become familiar with SRP-HED and understand how it complements our existing emergency preparedness efforts. As implementation progresses, these concepts will be incorporated into campus trainings, drills, and preparedness activities, ensuring that our community has opportunities to learn and build confidence in the new framework before it is fully integrated into our emergency response plan.

Looking Ahead

Campus safety continues to evolve alongside advancements in technology, changing expectations, and best practices in higher education. These updates reflect Buffalo State's ongoing commitment to fostering a safe, informed, and prepared campus community.

Additional information will continue to be shared with campus as these initiatives continue to develop. Questions may be directed to University Police at police@buffalostate.edu.

Thank you for your partnership in helping maintain a safe and resilient campus environment.