Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
We have now reached the midpoint of the spring semester and next week, many of you will be departing campus to rest and recharge. We wish you a restful spring break and safe travels. We look forward to welcoming you back and finishing the semester off strong!
In today’s message, I will address the following topics:
- Omega Phi Beta Campus Walk
- DPS Social Media and Community Engagement Events
- Incoming Peace Officer Academy
- Scam Alert
- Preparing Residences for Spring Break
- Employee of the Month
Omega Phi Beta Campus Walk
On Monday, Feb. 24, students in the Omega Phi Beta sorority joined Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers for a Night Watch: Campus Safety Walk. The group started with a walk around the outside of the Quad, where they were shown blue lights and how they worked. From there the students were able to see inside the DPS office, including the Emergency Communication Center, which was a big hit! The group ended at the Hall of Languages for a presentation that highlighted the Orange Safe App, crime and safety tips and alcohol awareness.
Community Engagement Events and DPS Social Media
Our goal at DPS is to ensure all members of our community have a safe and secure learning, social and cultural environment. Did you know DPS offers crime prevention workshops? We can cover such topics as alcohol awareness, security vulnerability assessments, active shooter guidelines and others. Fill out this form today to get the conversation started.
In addition, I encourage you to follow us on social media to stay up to date on the activities we have planned. We are on Instagram, X, Facebook and LinkedIn. On top of that, you will be the first to know when we have upcoming events or important news to share. Speaking of important news, DPS is on the road to 20,000 Orange Safe App downloads. Help us get there and you might be eligible to win a special prize. Stay tuned to our social media for more information.
Incoming Peace Officer Academy
After months of recruitment, DPS is gearing up to welcome another group of peace officer recruits. This year we will be training individuals looking to join Syracuse University’s Department of Public Safety as well as Onondaga Community College Public Safety.
During the academy, these recruits will receive over 400 hours of classroom instruction, and physical fitness and field-based tests required by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. Upon successful completion of the academy, graduates progress to field training with their respective field training officers for an additional 12 to 14 weeks.
Concert Ticket Scam Alert
With the warm weather right around the corner, concert season will start before we know it. We want to make you aware of a scam that is targeting our community. Scammers are using different apps to sell students false concert tickets using hacked accounts. Below are some tips on how to avoid these scams!
- The safest way to buy tickets is from the venue where the event is being staged.
- Using a search engine is tricky as many of these look-alike accounts show up near the top of the search results. Make sure you are on the real site.
- If you purchase from a third-party, make sure they are a reputable ticket vendor or reseller.
- If possible, use a credit card. You can dispute charges and have a better chance of getting your money back.
- Do online searches: Look for reviews, complaints or similar scams.
Have questions? Contact DPS at dpsadmin@syr.edu or ITS at help@syr.edu.
Preparing Residences for Spring Break
As many of you plan to depart campus for spring break, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you to take necessary action to protect your residence, office, cubicle spaces and belongings. Please review our recommended safety strategies about how to secure your spaces.
While many community members are heading elsewhere, some will remain around campus. As a reminder, the Department of Public Safety is always working and available to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 315.443.2224 if you observe anything concerning.
Employees of the Month
I am pleased to announce that Residential Community Safety Officer (RCSO) Donald Plantz and Emergency Communication Center (ECC) Dispatchers Josh Lewis and Richard Curran were named February 2025 Employees of the Month. Congratulations all on a job well done.
As a reminder, it is 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