Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
I recently concluded my first month as a member of the Syracuse University community. I have enjoyed my time meeting with so many of you, including the Graduate Student Organization, Student Association, University Senate and Resident Association Advisory Board just to name a few, and look forward to connecting with even more of you.
I have also been spending one-on-one time with the dedicated team members in Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services to learn about our unit and the work each individual performs on a daily basis. This is a terrific team and I’m honored to be a part of it.
Additionally, I have already identified several goals for the Department of Public Safety (DPS). They include:
- continuing to work with and enhance our relationships with our internal and external partners to keep the campus community safe;
- creating and maintaining an environment in which all members of our campus community are safe, feel safe, and feel appreciated and welcome;
- increasing our proactive efforts in formal programs and informal interactions with our students through education and crime prevention efforts; and
- continuously assessing and evaluating our efforts by seeking advanced accreditation.
Now that I’ve shared some early observations and goals, I’d like to provide a few important updates in this edition of the monthly DPS email. I will address:
- Securing Your Residence
- Student of Color Advisory Committee
- Community Police Academy
- Monthly Bias Update
Securing Your Residence
We have experienced multiple burglaries in off-campus neighborhoods in recent weeks. Unfortunately, in every incident, no forced entry has occurred. The perpetrators are entering through unlocked doors and windows and taking advantage of what they perceive as easy targets. I’d like to remind you of some steps you can take to keep yourself and your property safe.
- Lock your doors and windows, even if you are going to be away for just a short period of time.
- Hide or lock up your valuables; do not leave them where criminals can easily see them.
- Remind your roommates to take the same action.
- Remain vigilant.
For more safety tips, visit the Safety Strategies webpage.
Student of Color Advisory Committee
The nomination period for the Student of Color Advisory Committee just concluded. I look forward to reviewing the nominations and working to reestablish this important committee in the coming weeks.
Community Police Academy
We are in the beginning stages of planning to host an annual Community Police Academy during the Fall 2022 semester. The goal of this program is to assist with building better relationships with our community by giving them a deeper insight into the work of DPS. I look forward to sharing additional details in forthcoming emails.
Monthly Bias Update
April 1: Report of an individual shouting hateful language that is derogatory and offensive to the LGBTQ+ community.
Update: Our team conducted interviews with the reporting party and individuals in the area, and performed an extensive review of the available camera footage. We continue to look for additional leads and urge anyone with information to come forward.
April 9: An individual in a moving vehicle shouted anti-LGBTQ+ language.
Update: Our team completed multiple canvasses of the area, conducted interviews with the reporting party and individuals in the area and performed an extensive review of the available camera footage. We are working to identify additional leads.
If we do have additional updates, we will update the chart on our website and share any developments in this monthly email.
As a reminder, it is also never too late to come forward with information. You can call DPS at 315.443.2224 or submit information anonymously via the Silent Witness tool or the Rave Guardian mobile app. In addition, to report a bias incident or to receive support, visit the Stop Bias website.
With classes ending this week and finals starting, I wish you all good luck. Finish the semester strong and enjoy your time this summer.
Finally, to the Class of 2022, though these last few years have been a challenge with the pandemic, you have persevered. I wish you all the best as you take on new challenges and opportunities in the future!
Sincerely,
Chief Craig Stone
Department of Public Safety