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SUNY WCC Protocols for Interacting with External Law Enforcement

College Contact Information

These protocols are designed to ensure that there is a process in place so that all requests from external law enforcement are referred to campus security for intake and response consistent with all relevant legal requirements and to ensure the safety of members of the college community.


SUNY WCC Security: 914-606-6911
Director, SUNY WCC Security: Scott Sullivan (ext. 6284)
Director, Strategic Marketing and Communications: Mark Stollar (ext. 6638)

Questions & Answers

Who is external law enforcement?

External law enforcement is any law enforcement agency or individual that is NOT a SUNY WCC security officer. This may include individuals from: local law enforcement (town or county Police Department), state agencies (such as NYS State Troopers), or federal agencies (such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or U.S. Marshal Service).

How can I identify external law enforcement?

Typically, a member of law enforcement will wear a uniform, badge, or other item of clothing that identifies them as a law enforcement officer or agent. If you are uncertain whether an individual is a member of an external law enforcement entity, please DO NOT make any assumptions; contact SUNY WCC Security.

What should I do if the external law enforcement agent asks me for student or employee information/records, such as a particular individual’s current location or office, or information about an individual in an official file or record?

Two things:

  1. Tell the agent you are not authorized to respond to their request; and
  2. Contact SUNY WCC Security, who will review and respond appropriately to the request

Below is a short script that you can use:

“I am not authorized to respond to this request. I will notify campus security, who will review and respond to your request.”

What should I do if the external law enforcement agent says they have a warrant or subpoena?

Contact SUNY WCC Security because you are not authorized to receive service of any warrant or subpoena or respond with information/records pursuant to any warrant or subpoena.

What if the external law enforcement agent says that it is an emergency or matter of national security?

You should respond as follows: “I will relay the urgency to SUNY WCC Security and will do my best to get you assistance as soon as possible. I am not authorized to respond to this request.”

What if I see external law enforcement approach a student or employee, or arrest/detain a student or employee?

Notify SUNY WCC Security immediately. As specified in New York State’s guidelines to EO 170.1, DO NOT:

  1. Put yourself at physical risk or at risk of arrest. Call 911 if you believe you are at physical risk.
  2. Make any deceptive or misleading statements to federal officials, or otherwise engage in deceptive or misleading conduct.
  3. Attempt to hide or conceal any individual.
What if I cannot reach anyone from SUNY WCC Security?

Notify the Office of the President.

What should I do if the media asks me a question about the presence of ICE or other law enforcement?

Direct their question to the Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications and notify the Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications immediately.