The Daily Bulletin

From the Chief of University Police
As we commence new student orientation programs this week and prepare to welcome students, faculty, and staff back to campus this fall, I write today recognizing that many members of our valued Buffalo State College community are hurting, scared, frustrated, and angry.

Breonna Taylor. George Floyd. Rayshard Brooks. Just some of the black men and women who have recently died at the hands of police officers—the very individuals who were supposedly sworn to protect the communities they serve. These injustices lay bare the regrettable reality that systematic racism still deeply plagues our society.

The University Police Department at Buffalo State College strongly condemns the actions of those law enforcement officers involved in Louisville, Minneapolis, and Atlanta and stands in solidarity with the black community during this terrible—and too often repeated—moment in our nation’s history. I want every member of our community to know that you are welcome here. You are safe here. You matter here. Black Lives Matter here.

Central to our steadfast commitment to community policing is trust. But we fully acknowledge that trust in police right now is understandably hard to come by. While the abhorrent use of force and brutality exhibited by some police officers across the country does not in any way represent what we stand for at Buffalo State, our officers stand ready to earn your trust through our actions, outreach, and engagement with the incredible community we serve. We are here to listen to you. We are here to support you. We are here to serve and protect you.

Our officers regularly and actively participate in important training regarding de-escalation strategies and implicit bias, and we proudly partner with our colleagues in Student Affairs in restorative justice practices. As a campus-based police department, we are fortunate to have solutions that municipal departments simply do not have. Rather than focusing solely on punitive penalties, we can offer educational solutions where appropriate to help our students learn from their mistakes and reach their full potential. 

As an alumnus of Buffalo State, a graduate of the Educational Opportunity Program, and a 40-year member of this department, I want nothing more than for every member of our community to feel safe, secure, and supported at all times. In the coming weeks and months, if I or any member of our department can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us directly by e-mail at careypm@buffalostate.edu or police@buffalostate.edu, or by phone at (716) 878-6333.

Be well, fellow Bengals.

Sincerely,

Peter M. Carey
Chief of University Police
Buffalo State College