Officer 1 Jim Huels (right) wears the new navy-blue uniform, while Chief of Police Gordon Carpenter (center) is dressed in the original SUNY 鈥渂lue鈥 (gray) uniform that will be worn for any special detail such as Commencement, funeral, honor guard, awards, special recognition or other ceremony. Officer 1 Ricky Laurito has the department鈥檚 new bicycle uniform that is part of the reinstated bicycle patrol program.
Updates reflect department鈥檚 focus on visibility, sustainability and student engagement
The University Police Department (UPD) at SUNY Fredonia will launch two major initiatives for the 2025鈥26 academic year: a transition to new daily uniforms and a full relaunch of the department鈥檚 Bike Patrol Program.
Beginning this fall, UPD officers will replace the traditional 鈥淪UNY Blue鈥 uniforms with a modern navy-blue design for daily operations. The change, recommended by SUNY Police Administration, helps address ongoing supply chain challenges and provides a more accessible, cost-effective option that aligns with current law enforcement standards.
鈥淭his uniform update reflects our department鈥檚 commitment to adaptability and professionalism,鈥 said University Police Chief Gordon Carpenter. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a thoughtful change that supports our officers and aligns with the evolving needs of our campus and community.鈥
The classic SUNY Blue will remain in use for ceremonial and formal events, preserving the department鈥檚 traditional appearance while embracing operational progress. Other SUNY campuses that have made similar uniform updates have reported improvements in comfort, team cohesion, and morale.
In addition to the uniform change, UPD is expanding its Bike Patrol Program, which was reintroduced in a pilot phase in April and will officially relaunch in August. The program deploys officers on bicycles across campus to enhance approachability and increase engagement with students, faculty, and staff.
鈥淏ike patrols give our officers greater visibility and allow for more direct interaction with our campus community,鈥 Chief Carpenter said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a sustainable and community-friendly way to extend our presence.鈥
The program also supports environmental and fiscal sustainability. The bicycles were acquired at no cost to the institution, and ongoing maintenance is significantly less expensive than that of motor vehicles 鈥 resulting in reduced fuel use and wear on the department鈥檚 fleet.
Campus feedback since the spring rollout has been positive, with many noting the increased accessibility and approachability of officers on bike patrol.
Together, the uniform update and expanded bike patrols reflect UPD鈥檚 proactive approach to evolving campus needs 鈥 supporting its continued mission to serve with integrity, visibility and honor.
