University Police Honored with Awards from Two Student Groups

University Police members have recently been honored by Black Onyx, the black student union, and RADIUS, an organization that supports underrepresented individuals.

RADIUS, which operates out of the SUNY Plattsburgh campus Title IX office, stands for reinvigorating advocacy, intersectionality, understanding and self-love. 

“I think these awards demonstrate that students recognize University Police is interested in, and share, their concerns and that we are taking the initiative to be allies,” said University Police Chief Jerry Lottie. “This is a core philosophy of University Police, and the officers on a day-to-day basis are demonstrating that in what they do and how they do it.”

As part of their work, officers focus on community policing efforts, forging bonds of trust and understanding with students.

University Police works collaboratively with the campus Title IX office, said Butterfly Blaise Boire, Title IX coordinator.

“University Police under the leadership of Chief Jerry Lottie works continually to improve upon efforts to be educated on campus members' needs, best practices in response and service, and listen when concerns are presented,” Blaise said. “Over the last two years, I have watched them work to serve all campus members in an inclusive and trauma-informed manner.”

Awareness of issues related to diversity and social justice continue to be a priority for University Police, Lottie said. Diversity trainings for department members are continuing as well as officer participation in discussion forums and other campus events that provide social justice education to the campus community.

As part of this year’s Diversity Week, University Police led one of these events: “Know Your Rights: Police-Citizen Encounters.”

“I am very pleased and proud that our University Police department received these awards, particularly during these challenging times nationally,” Lottie said. “I think students recognize that we care about them and that is coming back full circle.”