The Mission of the Cornell Police (CUPD) is “Service.” The Cornell Police perform the same basic activities as any municipal police department in addition to the activities peculiar to the academic institution that this Department has been created to serve. Not only does CUPD respond to required police services, preserve the peace, protect life and property, and recover lost and stolen property, but it also enforces, in a fair and impartial manner, the regulations that comprise the Cornell Campus Code of Conduct, as well as applicable local, state and federal laws. We appreciate our role in enhancing the quality of life on campus by our contributions that foster a safe and secure environment, the cornerstone of academic freedom. We also recognize that justice is the foundation for peace, and to this end, our Department is built on a foundation of community service and crime prevention that respects and preserves the human dignity of all individuals served.
The CUPD staff reflect a broad spectrum of backgrounds and interests. The department is comprised of 78 members including 51 sworn officers. Cornell Police officers and civilian staff are selected for their expertise, dedication, sensitivity, communication skills, and high respect for the special public trust bestowed on law-enforcement officials. Sworn officers complete the 629-hour Metropolitan Police Training Council, or MPTC, the certified Basic Course for Police Officers training, and then are assigned to a field-training officer to learn about the Cornell environment. View the CUPD recruitment video.
Rewards and Benefits
- Competitive compensation: health insurance, generous employer contribution to employer 403b retirement plan
- Impressive educational benefits, including: tuition-free extramural study and employee degree program, tuition aid for external education, Cornell Children’s Tuition Assistance program
- A rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life including employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance and parental leave. For more information, follow the link. Benefits at Cornell.
Core Qualifications
Patrol Officer
Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of education/experience in law enforcement or related field. Must be 21 years old and a United States citizen. Completion of New York State Basic Police Academy preferred. Must satisfactorily complete probationary period and preemployment physical/psychological exams and physical fitness standards. Must obtain, maintain and satisfactorily complete all training requirements as designated by the Associate Vice President and Chief of Police and laws of New York State. Must possess and maintain valid New York State driver’s license, New York State pistol permit and be eligible to obtain/maintain FBI Criminal Justice Information Services compliant certification. Strong interpersonal written and verbal communication skills necessary. Must possess basic computer skills. High level of concentration requiring acute hand/eye coordination. Must be able to lift more than 50 lbs. in an emergency.
Telecommunications Officer
Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of education/experience in telecommunications. Strong interpersonal communication skills (written and oral). Must satisfactorily complete all training requirements as designated by the Director of the Cornell Police. Ability to work under pressure. Familiarity with PC’s and terminal computers preferred. Radio communication skills are also preferred. Must obtain and maintain an FBI Criminal Justice Information Services compliant certification.
Cornell Police Auxiliary
Auxiliary members are required to successfully complete a background check and New York State Security Guard training. This position is a casual appointment. During the academic year, members are expected to work at least two night patrols per month. Members of the Auxiliary are also expected to work at least 150 hours per fiscal year and attend in-service training.