Quinnipiac University and Hamden Police conduct first on-campus joint active-aggressor training exercise

Press release

HAMDEN, Conn. – Jan. 15, 2026 - Months of planning by Quinnipiac University’s Department of Public Safety culminated in a significant new milestone in campus safety preparedness with the university’s first on-campus joint active-aggressor training exercise with the Hamden Police Department.

Held during winter break on January 7 at The Ledges residence hall on Quinnipiac’s Mount Carmel Campus, the live exercise focused on coordinated response tactics, interagency communication, and operational preparedness between armed Quinnipiac public safety officers and members of the Hamden Police Department Emergency Services Unit/SWAT team.

The training underscores Quinnipiac’s ongoing commitment to strengthening emergency readiness through close collaboration with local, state and federal partners, said Quinnipiac Chief of Public Safety Tony Reyes.

“This is part of an ongoing effort with our partners to ensure we are continuously training, identifying any interoperability challenges, and responding seamlessly if an incident were to occur,” Reyes said. “This exercise reflects the strength of our partnership with the Hamden Police Department and our shared commitment to the safety of this community.”

Reyes noted that on-campus, interagency training of this kind is uncommon and reflects a high level of mutual trust and collaboration.

“Very few police departments train with their university counterparts at this level,” Reyes said. “I’m extremely proud of the relationship we have with Hamden Police. Their willingness to collaborate, share tactics, and train on-site speaks volumes about their commitment to Quinnipiac and to public safety.”

Hamden Police Chief Edward P. Reynolds emphasized the importance of joint preparedness efforts.

“This training reflects our progressive approach to public safety and our commitment to proactive preparedness,” Reynolds said. “By working hand in hand with Quinnipiac University, we are strengthening coordination, communication, and response strategies to help ensure the safety of students, staff, and the greater Hamden community.”

The exercise was coordinated by Lieutenant John Jacobi, Quinnipiac Public Safety’s lieutenant of training and professional standards, whose efforts were instrumental in planning and executing the university’s first on-scene interagency training with Hamden Police.

“There is no substitute for training in the actual environments where responders may be called,” Reyes said. “Getting our partners familiar with campus buildings, particularly residence halls, is critical.”

“Our primary responsibility is protecting our community,” Jacobi said. “Training on-site in dorms and academic buildings allows us to prepare for real-world scenarios and ensures we can respond effectively if needed.”

Twenty-six armed Quinnipiac Public Safety officers and approximately a dozen Hamden SWAT team members trained together in best practices for building-clearing operations, barricaded-subject response protocols, interagency coordination, and communication procedures.

“The goal is to get everyone on the same page, using consistent tactics and communication,” Jacobi said. “This sets the foundation for more complex training scenarios across campus throughout the year.”

Additional joint exercises are planned in the coming year as scheduling allows. Quinnipiac Public Safety also plans to expand similar training to the North Haven Campus in partnership with North Haven Police SWAT.

Hamden Police Emergency Services Unit/SWAT Commander Lieutenant Robert Manfield highlighted the value of interagency cooperation.

“Training together ensures that, if something were to happen, we know how to move and operate as one team,” Manfield said. “Quinnipiac has been very progressive in coordinating this exercise, and that shows a shared seriousness about preparedness.”

The partnership between Quinnipiac and Hamden Police has also supported broader training initiatives, including a joint Public Safety Training Academy led last year by Jacobi and Manfield for both Quinnipiac and Hamden officers.

All Quinnipiac Public Safety officers continue to build upon prior law enforcement or corrections experience through ongoing training, including simulator exercises, police academy sessions, and firearms and use-of-force training, supported by both internal leadership and external partners.

The January 7 exercise builds on a comprehensive tabletop exercise conducted in August that brought together federal, state, and local agencies alongside university stakeholders to evaluate and strengthen emergency response protocols.

“That tabletop exercise helped us identify areas to further strengthen our policies, communication, and response,” Reyes said. “This joint training is a direct extension of that work.”

Public Safety Officer Brian Lapila said the training reinforces confidence across campus.

“Bringing these two agencies together is huge,” Lapila said. “It strengthens our tactics, expands our experience, and ultimately helps students and families feel safer knowing we’re prepared to protect this community.”