New York State Police Working to Increase Community Safety

ASIS Greater Rochester continued it series of information and networking meetings with local law enforcement agencies – meeting with the New York State Police on February 19, 2026 at the Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship.

Special thanks to Sergeant Donald Schug III and Investigator James Grizzante of the New York State Police Community Stabilization Unit (CSU) for an informative presentation. We also thank Rick Allen, Assistant Vice President for Campus Safety and Compliance at Golisano Institute, for hosting the meeting.

The New York State Police works to ensure the safety of the state's roadways, prevent and investigate crime, prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters, and provide support to other law enforcement agencies. The Community Stabilization Units (CSUs) within the NYS Police were formed in 2021 to combat violent crime, illegal gun trafficking, and drug activity by providing proactive, specialized resources to local law enforcement. They focus on increasing community safety through enhanced police presence, data-driven targeting of crime surges, and improved public engagement. CSU units have both Uniform and Investigative Officers/Staff. There are both downstate (NYC area) and upstate CSU units serving the state of New York. Nearly 95% of the local work is focused in the City of Rochester, however, there are no jurisdictional boundaries so the CSU is able to work crimes across New York. This is especially important as drug and gun trafficking generally stems from NYC and New Jersey areas making their way to upstate New York communities.

Key focus areas for the CSU are:

·         Stolen vehicles

·         Reckless vehicle use

·         Fugitive apprehension

·         Organized retail theft

NYS Police and the CSU units work in close partnership with the Rochester Police (RPD), Monroe County Sheriff, and Federal agencies including US Marshalls, DEA, and ATF, as well as other local city and county governments. They will work specific details focused on violent gangs, narcotics enforcement, and retail theft. The CSU focused on this Region have contributed to 100’s of charges and arrests along with removal of guns and illegal drugs.

Another facet of the CSU work is to build community engagement, especially with at risk youth. This extends to programs like Project Exile (reduction of guns) and GIVE (Gun Involved Violence Elimination).

As with other law enforcement agencies, a key goal of meetings with ASIS members is to expand collaboration and partnerships between law enforcement and corporate/industrial/institution security professionals for increased security and safety throughout the communities served. To that end, local organizations and security professionals are encouraged to contact Sergeant Schug and Investigator Grizzanti to discuss collaboration opportunities.

Members of NYS Police CSU Unit with ASIS Rochester and Golisano Institute. Pictured (left to right):

Tony Barbeau (TSG Security -- ASIS Greater Rochester Operations Manager)

Trooper Jason Klewicki (NYS Police)

Matt Butts (MACH1 Security and Investigations)

Investigator James Grizzanti (NYS Police)

Rick Allen (Golisano Institute)

Sergeant Donald Schug III (NYS Police)

Mark O’Donnell (Golisano Institute)

Eric Fuehrer (Sunstates Security -- ASIS Greater Rochester Chairperson)