April 2024 Updates From the Department of Public Safety

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

It is hard to believe that another year has passed by as we celebrated Commencement this past weekend. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our campus community and well-wishes to all our graduates!

In my last update of the semester, I will touch on:

  • Community Engagement Updates
  • Bicycle, Scooter and Skateboard Safety
  • Employees of the Month
  • Monthly Bias Update

Community Engagement Updates

Our Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services team has been hard at work throughout the semester organizing several community engagement initiatives, including:

Earth Day Clean-Up: In celebration of Earth Day, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) partnered with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs to organize a neighborhood clean-up for the second consecutive year. This year, we doubled the number of participants, with more than 200 students taking time out of their weekend to help make a positive difference for our campus community and neighbors. Our team is looking forward to growing this event even more next year.

Safety Stations: In partnership with Title IX and Apartment and Off-Campus Living, DPS held its Safety Stations during the last weekend of April. Hundreds of students stopped by our table set up at 401 Euclid Ave., outside of Lyons Hall. Representatives from the aforementioned offices answered questions and reminded students of important safety tips. We look forward to continuing this initiative in the fall.

Youth Leadership Camp: Our second annual Youth Leadership Camp is slated for the third week of July. This collaboration between Syracuse University DPS and the Syracuse City School District will bring rising ninth graders to campus for a week. The students will partake in an expansive curriculum, including learning sessions that will focus on life, career and other important skills. I look forward to sharing more about this in the coming months.

Bicycle, Scooter and Skateboard Safety

With the warmer weather and more members of our campus community remaining in town for the summer, there will be an increased use of bicycles, scooters or skateboards on campus. Please keep these tips in mind when out and about:

  • Obey traffic signs and signals; bicycles must follow the rules of the road like other vehicles.
  • Always wear your helmet!
  • Use a U-bolt locking device for your bicycle and register your bike with DPS.

We also encourage drivers to be mindful and alert to the increased presence of bicycles, scooters and skateboards and to obey the rules of the road. For more safety tips, visit our website.

Employees of the Month – March 2024

I am pleased to share that Officer John Romano and Community Services Officer (CSO) Larry Whitlock have been selected as our March 2024 Employees of the Month.

Officer Romano is being honored for his pivotal role in apprehending an individual related to a harassment incident on Marshall Street. CSO Whitlock is being recognized for his tireless work ethic and exceptional service provided to the campus community. Congratulations to them both!

Monthly Bias Update

There are no new updates to share. As a reminder, if we do have additional updates they will be posted on the chart on our website and share any developments in this monthly email.

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. In addition, to report a bias incident or to receive support, visit the STOP Bias website.

Go Orange!

Chief Craig A. Stone
Department of Public Safety
Student Experience Division