An open forum will happen Wednesday at UAlbany after video of an arrest by campus police last Tuesday sparked concerns among students.
Campus police say the person arrested was a visitor and is accused of menacing an employee in the campus center. Police say that person gave them a false identity and resisted arrest. The individual was arrested, issued several tickets, and released and there were no injuries reported.
J. Frank Wiley, chief of police for New York State University Police, sent out a letter/statement addressing the incident last week, which you can read in full below. The UAlbany student affairs also sent a letter, also last week, which can be read below. As for the forum, it is set to happen at the Campus Center Ballroom from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wiley wrote:
"Dear members of the UAlbany community,
I am writing to share more information with you regarding an incident that transpired in the Campus Center on Tuesday night. I know there has been considerable discussion on social media regarding a brief video depicting the arrest of a visitor to our campus.
I recognize that some of you have concerns based on the portion of this encounter that has been shared on social media. However, I am asking that you join me in reserving judgment until we have more complete information regarding what occurred.
Once that process is complete, we will share that information with the University community. In the meantime, as we work to complete our review, here is what I can share with you at this time:
On Tuesday night, University Police Department officers responded to a report of an individual menacing an employee in the Campus Center. This individual was subsequently taken into custody after providing officers with a false identity and resisting arrest.
The individual was arrested, issued several tickets, and released. There were no injuries reported.
It is standard practice for UPD to automatically review all use of force by our officers, regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed. Consistent with that standard, the department is reviewing the circumstances of Tuesday night’s arrest to ensure our officers’ actions were consistent with their training, department policy, and state and federal law.
The review will include video from witnesses as well as cameras in the building and worn by our officers. UPD will not reach any conclusions until this review is complete. Furthermore, the conclusions reached will be forwarded to the University's Independent Review Committee for its consideration, comment, and recommendations, as necessary.
That level of independent review is extremely important, and I am very pleased that our University has a process in place to provide it.
Please know that we take your concerns seriously, and I commit to you that we will proceed with these important next steps in a transparent way. In the meantime, anyone who has information about this incident is encouraged to contact UPD at (518) 442-3131.
As always, the safety and well-being our entire campus community remains UPD’s top priority.
Thank you for your time and your consideration."
Student Affairs wrote:
"Dear UAlbany Community,
Earlier today, you received an email from UPD Chief Wiley regarding an incident that occurred in the Campus Center on Tuesday evening. It is clear to us, based on the reactions on social media, that many in our community see a need for a broader conversation.
As one of the nation’s most diverse research universities, we need to be able to have honest and forthright discussions about difficult topics, such as perceptions of our campus climate, our commitment to diversity, and the safety and well-being of our students. Nothing is more important to us than fostering a climate where everyone is welcome and feels welcome.
The University, and particularly our newly established Dean of Students Office, is committed to helping create venues for these important conversations. The Student Association is hosting an extended open forum on Wednesday, November 13 at the Campus Center Ballroom from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This presents a timely opportunity to come together as a community. Representatives from University leadership will be present at the forum, and we encourage you to attend as well.
Thank you in advance for your active engagement. We are committed to proceeding with diligence, transparency and a willingness to listen—and your participation is critical to our collective success."