Campus community celebrates outgoing Chief of University Police Michael Corbisiero at Walk-Out ceremony

After years as a dedicated leader in the SUNY New Paltz University Police Department (UPD), outgoing Chief Mike Corbisiero took part in a policing tradition on Friday, March 1, at a walk-out celebration attended by family, friends and colleagues. 

It was a fitting end for a 22-year career in law enforcement for Corbisiero, a former NYPD officer and U.S. Navy veteran who has held leadership roles in New Paltz’s UPD since 2019.

Among those in attendance at the walk-out was his predecessor as UPD Chief, Mary Ritayik, who is currently serving as Commissioner of the New York State University Police.

Corbisiero‘s tenure was marked by the implementation of new community policing strategies such as “Brunch with the Brass,” “Plain Clothes, Plain Talk” and similar events as well as new training and development for officers on topics like de-escalation, mental health emergencies, QPR, and Safe Zone training.

Corbisiero has worked collaboratively with the UPD Advisory Committee, which includes student, faculty, staff and alumni membership, a partnership that has generated new practices in policing on our campus.  

“Chief Corbisiero was great for us during times that weren’t always easy,” said Ryan Williams, who is succeeding Corbisiero as SUNY New Paltz Chief of University Police. “He is a fair chief, and we are appreciative of his leadership over the years.” 

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