The Department of Public Safety received a few calls in the past 24 hours reporting “clown” sightings. All were investigated, no evidence of crime was uncovered, no one dressed in such
costumes were found by responding officers, nor was there any video of such persons.
This phenomenon has been reported around the country in social media, newspapers and television, and most cases have been either pranks or false reports. We understand even unsubstantiated reports can make campus community members nervous and concerned. Since we’ve heard from student media, some students and some parents about this issue, we’ve prepared the following Q&A:
What should I know about the clown phenomenon?
• Over the past several weeks, there have been several “creepy clown” sightings reported around the United States, starting in a couple of southern states, and now spreading around the country.
• Some of this is pure “urban legend” activity, many are simply rumors, many are false reports, many are third party reports (my friend told me…), and there are national media reports of a few persons who have been arrested across the nation for wandering neighborhoods dressed as clowns? and other related activity around the country.
• Around the country, there have been creepy clown scares before, in the mid 1980’s after some horror films featured clowns. Recent television shows and films depicting such clowns may have again triggered the prank activities.
• It is important to note that under New York State Law, wearing a costume or mask is not unlawful in itself. Of course, trespassing on someone property, harassing or assaulting someone, or any other act that would constitute a crime, is still a crime when wearing a costume.
What should I do if I actually see someone in a clown mask or costume?:
• You should immediately report to DPS if you are on campus or local police if off-campus, the time and location of the clown sighting, offering as much detail as possible. This would include a description of what the person was doing, the exact time, the direction of travel and if any vehicle was involved. You should stay away from the person, and head in the opposite direction.
• If it is safe to do so and you’re able, take a picture of the suspicious activity and share it with DPS or the Syracuse Police. If you have downloaded the University LiveSafe App (http://www.livesafemobile.com/), you can easily send a photo or video directly to DPS. If you’ve yet to download LiveSafe, this is a perfect opportunity to do that.
• Be prepared to meet with an officer and provide them details about what you witnessed.
What shouldn’t I do?:
• Many reports of clowns around the country have been false reports, and there have been people charged with falsely reporting an incident, so please understand that this is no joke and you can be held accountable both through the courts and through Student Rights and Responsibilities if you file a false claim.
• If you’re thinking that putting on a clown mask and hanging around town might be a funny prank, think again. This type of prank can be very dangerous as people around the country have reacted in a variety of ways to those in clown masks, some even with violence.
• If you see someone in a clown mask / costume, since you don’t know the motives of the person, again it’s best that you report the incident to DPS or Syracuse Police instead of engaging the person. Since wearing a costume is not a crime, any physical attack or harassment on such person could be a crime.
Halloween is around the corner, what should I expect?:
• As Halloween parties and themed events happen, remember that people will wear costumes for some of the events, especially on the weekend prior to Monday, October 31st.
• You should consider your costume carefully and use discretion in your choice, given the current national circumstances regarding clown costumes.