BUFFALO, N.Y. — Canisius University announced its plan to eliminate its own public safety department and partner with a private security company to handle public safety services.
The school has contracted with Alaska-based Nana Management Services (NMS), WKBW reports. Employees of the public safety department, which consists of five sworn peace officers, three dispatchers, and an administrative specialist, received letters last week informing them that they would be terminated as of June 15. Canisius officials said current public safety employees have been invited to apply for the open positions.
The announcement comes as Canisius is looking for ways to address the school’s $7 to $10 million structural deficit, according to Buffalo News. Last year, Canisius President Steve Stoute announced the school would be considering ways to cut $15 million from its operating budget over the next few fiscal years. In April, the school announced it would be offering incentives for employees willing to take buyouts, particularly those who may be considering retirement or for employees considering a career change.
The campus joins a long list of colleges and universities faced with large deficits following prolonged enrollment declines. Canisius is also seeking $55 million in tax-exempt bonds to address the deficit. Despite financial challenges, a Canisius spokesperson said the decision to eliminate the public safety department is driven by the university’s “commitment to campus safety.”
“This change enables the university to maintain consistent staffing coverage, enhance emergency response capabilities, and align its safety operations with best practices followed by peer institutions,” the school wrote in a statement.
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NMS employs former federal, state, and local law enforcement agents. An anonymous Canisius police officer told WIVB that many in the current public safety department do not have the necessary licenses to operate as security guards and instead have a Department of Criminal Justice certification.
“The safety and well-being of the Canisius community remain the university’s highest priority,” the university continued. “This transition underscores Canisius’ commitment to maintaining a secure, supportive, and student-focused campus environment that advances teaching, learning and community engagement.”
