October is in full swing, and so is our team at the Department of Public Safety (DPS). From safety stations to Coffee With a Cop, we have had a busy and rewarding start to the semester connecting with our campus community. Please take a moment to review the information below:
- Community Engagement
- Pedestrian and Nighttime Safety
- Orange Alert
Community Engagement
Women’s Self-Defense Course
DPS is offering a Women’s Self-Defense Course this fall. This hands-on course is designed to build confidence and teach practical skills you can use in real-world situations. Registration is currently full, but you can visit dps.syr.edu to learn more and register for our waitlist.
Halloween Eve Safety Station
Heading out on Halloween Eve? Stop by our Safety Station on Friday, Oct. 30, before you go. Our team will be on hand with safety resources, tips for a fun and safe night and a friendly face before a busy weekend on and around campus. Look out for time and location on our social media.
Coffee With a Cop
On Oct. 1, we teamed up with Student Engagement for Coffee With a Cop and International Coffee Day outside Sims Hall. It was a great morning. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to grab a coffee and chat with our officers. Events like this are what community policing is all about.
Keep an eye on @SyracuseDPS for future opportunities to connect with our team.
Pedestrian and Nighttime Safety
As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, more members of our community are traveling to and from class, work and activities in the dark. Nighttime on campus brings a different set of conditions, reduced visibility, increased distractions and less foot traffic in some areas, and it is worth taking a moment to think about how you move around campus after dark.
Traveling at Night
- Stay on well-lit, populated paths whenever possible. If a shortcut takes you through a dark or isolated area, it is not worth it.
- Limit distractions—put the phone down and take out one earbud. Being aware of what is around you is your first line of defense.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, change your route, step into a nearby building or contact DPS at 315.443.2224.
- Walk with a friend whenever you can. If you need to get somewhere late at night, use the Safe Walk or Safety Escort Shuttle feature on the Orange Safe App.
Crossing the Street
- Cross only at marked crosswalks and wait for the walk signal.
- Make eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb—do not assume they see you.
- Avoid looking at your phone while crossing. A few seconds of distraction can make a critical difference.
- Wear brighter colors or use a light when walking after dark so drivers and cyclists can see you clearly.
For Drivers
- Slow down and be especially alert for pedestrians in and around campus after dark. Reduced visibility affects both pedestrians and drivers.
- Yield at crosswalks—always. Never pass a vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian.
- Avoid distractions behind the wheel, particularly in high foot traffic areas near residence halls, dining facilities and academic buildings.
Orange Alert System: Update Your Information Before the Test
The Orange Alert system is Syracuse University’s primary tool for communicating urgent safety information to the campus community. When seconds matter, it is critical that your contact information is current so you receive notifications without delay.
With a system test coming up, now is the time to log into MySlice and verify that your phone number and contact preferences are up to date.
To update your information:
- Log in to MySlice.
- Navigate to the Personal Information section.
- Review and update your phone number and notification preferences.
The Orange Alert system delivers notifications via text message, email and voice call. Make sure all three are current so you do not miss an alert when it counts. Visit the Orange Alert webpage for more information and what to expect during the test.
We Are Here to Help
As a reminder, if you have information that may be relevant to DPS or an ongoing investigation, it is never too late to come forward. You can call DPS at 315.443.2224 or submit information anonymously via the Silent Witness tool. To report a bias incident or receive support, visit the STOP Bias website.
Stay safe out there.