“Don’t be shy, you can ask us anything. We are here to protect and serve. We are here for you … You come first.” 

Farmingdale State College’s (FSC) University Police Department (UPD) T-Sgt. and newly appointed Community Relations Officer Luis A. Llano concludes his informal presentation to incoming State University of New York (SUNY) Advancing Completion through Engagement (ACE) Program students in Knapp Hall.  

In his brief time with the students, Llano introduced himself and his department and offered helpful tips for parking, how to sign up for Rave Mobile Safety notifications, how to quickly call for help on campus, and where to seek additional information about UPD programs, including a beginner level boxing class he teaches on Tuesdays in Nold Hall. 

“I always like to end with a few dad jokes,” added Llano, who received a SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service in 2019 for his numerous initiatives, including organizing bike-patrols; foot patrols in the residence halls; and developing FSC’s Rape Awareness and Defense (RAD) training. 

“How do you make a tissue dance?” He paused and then quipped, “Put a little boogie in it.” Students giggled around the room with some quickly sharing “dad jokes” of their own.  

According to FSC Chief of Police Daniel Daugherty, this short but meaningful interaction is part of UPD’s ongoing focus on community policing, which encourages positive, interactive partnerships between its officers and the campus community they serve. 

“By developing these connections within the campus community, our officers are better informed and empowered to effectively solve public safety issues,” he said. “We're very proactive and we’re part of the educational process here. We are firm believers in being community oriented and visible.” 

UPD Through the Years  

Throughout its rich history, the safety and security of FSC’s campus community has always been paramount.  

Early records note Joseph H. Cassidy, who joined FSC--then the New York State School of Agriculture at Farmingdale, Long Island--as a "watchman" on July 1, 1921, said April Earle, FSC librarian. On October 23, 1957, two “special patrolmen,” V. Hansen and P. Visco, were hired to serve at FSC, then called the State University of New York (SUNY) Long Island Agricultural and Technical Institute at Farmingdale. FSC’s 1966 and 1967 yearbooks display images of “campus police” officers and a 1963 Plymouth Fury patrol car.  

Since then, a lot has changed, including the creation of a SUNY security force to coincide with the 1968 establishment of the SUNY Public Safety Program, a 1978 name change from campus security to public safety, and 1998 legislation, signed into law by then New York State Governor George Pataki, which officially transformed SUNY Public Safety into the New York State University Police Department known today.  

Now a diverse staff of 25 professionally trained New York State certified police officers patrol FSC’s bucolic 380-acre campus, enforcing all New York State laws as well as College rules and regulations. From its recently renovated headquarters on the north side of campus, its officers are the first responders for all campus emergencies, and through a 1969 education law, an additional jurisdiction one mile outside the campus.  

“Farmingdale State College’s primary concern is always the health and safety of its campus community,” said Daugherty. “The University Police team is committed to creating and maintaining a safer environment for all.”  

Llano agrees. “I tell our new officers, ‘This is your town. You should always know everything going on in your town,’” he said as he patrolled the student parking lots behind Frank A. Cipriani Drive.  

Ready for Anything 

FSC has ranked among the safest campuses nationally according to lists published by UniversityPrimeTime.com, DailyBeast.com, and Campus Safety magazine. In 2022, FSC's crime rate was below 1% per 1,000, as per the most recent data available from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education. 

The department continually undergoes extensive trainings both locally and across the state, including bias training, emergency response training, and victim assistance training, and maintains tight relationships with other agencies, including the Nassau and Suffolk County Police Departments and the FBI. In addition, the department commands an impressive fleet of 10 equipped vehicles. 

“We're ready for anything,” said Daugherty, who shared an instance when the team was put to the test. 

“A few years back, we had a student in her car, getting ready to go to class. She looks in her rearview mirror and sees, in the car behind her, someone putting together what she thinks is a rifle,” said Daugherty. “She goes to a building, calls us, and describes what she saw, including the license plate. So, we spring into action.” 

Within minutes, FSC’s UPD worked with neighboring agencies to safely locate the individual several miles away at his workplace. “Turns out he was assembling a lightsaber--a toy,” said Daugherty. “The initial feeling was, ‘This is it. This is what you trained for.’ But it was a great drill. Everybody came and our response time was unbelievable.” 

Community Resources and Programs 

Currently, UPD offers more than a dozen community programs and services, including parent information sessions, new student orientations and classroom visits, active shooter preparedness, online training videos, self-defense and first aid classes, specialized resources for victims of sexual violence and hate crimes, fire safety education, child safety seat inspections, a “Go Folder” for quick access to mental health services, RAVE & RAVE Guardian safety messaging services, a unique and interactive UPD Ride-Along Program, and, upon request, a security escort to one’s vehicle if they feel unsafe anywhere on campus.  

To reach every campus community member the department also provides a recently updated website, an active social media presence, and personalized emergency management and evacuation plans for each campus building and FSC department.  

“I love talking about our team and all the great things that they do,’ said Daugherty.  

“We offer a wealth of resources,” agreed Inspector of Auxiliary Services Keri Hauff. “Our role is very rewarding, and we are proud of our community policing.”  

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