DPS Detective Honored by Central New York Chiefs of Police

A member of Syracuse University’s Department of Public Safety is the recipient of an award from the Central New York Association of Chiefs of Police (CNYACOP). Detective James Hill received the 2015 Law Enforcement Commendation during ceremonies held Monday night (April 27) at Drumlins.

Central New York Association of Chiefs of Police recognize Detective James Hill with the 2015 Law Enforcement Commendation. CNYACOP President Paul Waltz, Chief of Police at SUNY Upstate Medical University issued the award along with Interim DPS Chief Jill Lentz and Senior Vice President and Chief Law Enforcement Officer Tony Callisto.

“Detective James Hill is one of the unsung heroes at the Department of Public Safety,” said Senior Vice President and Chief Law Enforcement Officer Tony Callisto. “He is a tireless advocate for students and a committed campus law enforcement officer.

According to Interim DPS Chief Jill Lentz, “(Hill’s) quiet and effective style reassures victims and his collaborative nature offers University staff and local police a wonderful working partner in service to our students and community.”

In his nomination of Detective Hill, Ryan Beauford ’10,G’14 and Commander at DPS wrote “Detective Hill has shown during the last year and much before that his work as an investigator has been far reaching in its scope and effectiveness; be it as investigator assigned to criminal and or sexual offense cases or as the primary DPS coordinator of juridical hearings, in his work as a liaison with Syracuse University Title IX Coordinator and in his role as Peace Officer assigned to the Syracuse University Men’s Basketball team and Coach Jim Boeheim. Detective Hill has demonstrated professionalism and pride as he sustains a high level of performance, quality service and true caring that is a tremendous credit to himself, his family, his peers at the institution and the community that he serves.”

Janet Epstein, Case Manager in the Syracuse University Office of Student Assistance, also submitted a letter on Detective Hill’s behalf. “As an advocate for survivors of sexual, relationship and other forms of interpersonal violence, I am acutely aware of the critical role of members of law enforcement in responding to the needs of those who are targeted by violence,” wrote Epstein. “I have experienced th·e impact that a caring, well trained, dedicated law enforcement professional can have on someone at a most vulnerable and challenging time in their life. Survivors who feel respected, believed and valued, and who are well informed, are more likely to continue with law enforcement processes. Detective James Hill exemplifies all of the qualities that are crucial for effective campus law enforcement response to sensitive crimes.”