The College Community,
CUNY Public Safety has implemented a body-worn camera program for CUNY Peace Officers across the university system. As of Spring 2026, CUNY Peace Officers are now actively utilizing body-worn cameras in the field. All officers assigned to the program have successfully completed comprehensive training on proper use and governing policies prior to deployment.
It is important to clarify how body-worn cameras are used:
These cameras do not record continuously and are not used for routine or casual interactions. Cameras are activated by officers only during law enforcement and public safety-related situations, such as:
• Arrests and investigations
• Escalating situations or calls for service
• Crime scene investigations
• Use of force encounters
• Evidence collection
Body-worn cameras are not activated during:
• Regular conversations with students, faculty, staff, or colleagues
• Interviews involving privileged or highly sensitive information
• Routine patrols or standard building checks
• Non-law-enforcement or security-related activities
• Routine VIP escorts
This program reflects CUNY’s ongoing commitment to safety, professionalism, and transparency. Body-worn cameras enhance accountability, support accurate documentation of incidents, and provide valuable material for training and review.
Importantly, body-worn cameras help present a more complete and balanced account of public safety interactions. While CCTV security cameras capture activity from a single viewpoint, body-worn cameras provide additional context, including real-time officer engagement and communication. This added perspective helps ensure interactions are documented clearly and fairly.
The body-worn camera system selected by CUNY is provided by Axon, the industry standard used by public safety agencies across the country and within higher education, and is recognized for strong safeguards and accountability standards.
We will be hosting an information session to address any questions or concerns related to body-worn cameras and other public safety initiatives. Additional details will be shared shortly.
We appreciate the continued partnership of the College community as we move forward with this important initiative.
Yours in safety,
Chief James Assmann
Director of Public Safety
CUNY York College
94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd.
Office location AC-1M02
JAssmann@PROTECTED
(718)-262-2222
Eduardo Rios Office: 718-262-2104
Vice President for Finance & Administration Cell: 929-720-2167
Chief Financial Officer/ Chief Facilities Officer Email: erios9@PROTECTED
MS Teams: eduardo.rios09@PROTECTED
94-20 Guy R. Brewer Blvd. Jamaica, NY, 11451.
