Aligning with recommendations from the University Public Safety Advisory Committee (PSAC), the Public Safety Ambassadors provide an alternative approach to public safety, especially in instances when an armed police officer may not be necessary, or the nature of a call is not criminal.

Public Safety Ambassadors are comprised of a team of friendly, community-oriented, unarmed, non-sworn, civilian, security professionals. They do not possess any powers to make arrests, or enforce local, state, and federal laws. However, team members are classified as Campus Security Authorities and are required to report all crimes to the Cornell University Police Department (CUPD). Public Safety Ambassadors may make recommendations to the Office of Student Conduct, for student conduct violations.

Public Safety Ambassadors are required to complete mandatory New York State Security Guard Training. In addition to state and university mandated training, Public Safety Ambassadors are trained in several other topics such as: first aid and CPR; effective communication; emergency response procedures; community relations; report writing, and event screening, security, and safety.

Public Safety Ambassadors collaborate with the community to keep Cornell a safe and healthy campus to learn and live on. They provide safety, security, and customer service across the Ithaca campus. The team collaborates with several units within the in Division of Public Safety, such as the Cornell University Police Department (CUPD), the Community Response Team (CRT), and Cornell EMS (CUEMS). They also collaborate with other university partners outside of the Division such as Environment Health & Safety (EH&S), Student & Campus Life (SCL), and other colleges or schools within the Cornell community.

Some of the services we provide include walking or vehicle patrols to observe for safety or security concerns; blue lights checks; safety escorts; door unlocks; parking assistance; building or property checks; non-criminal referrals to the Office of Student Conduct; traffic control; event security; and supporting the lost and found program.  Public Safety Ambassadors also provide support under a co-response model to other units within the Division of Public Safety for emergencies or incidents.