Here’s a rundown of quick tips and additional information about the Department of Public Safety (DPS), to help answer your questions and share resources that can help keep you safe.
What should I do if I am in need of immediate safety?
– Contact DPS at 711 on a campus phone, #78 on your cell, or call 315-443-2224. In off campus areas call 911.
Why am I receiving public safety notices?
– Anytime a crime that poses on ongoing threat to safety happens on or immediately adjacent to campus, we send a notice to alert, not alarm, the campus community of any potential on-going neighborhood crime threats.
What is DPS doing to protect our safety?
– Public safety and security are DPS’ main priorities. We have increased night time patrolling and investigation supervision, increased walking escort capability, added officers to focus on prevention of serious crime, installed cameras near entrances and exits of all residence halls, parking garages, and other strategic campus locations, and enhanced the Orange Alert system. In addition, we often have more than 20 officers covering a two square mile area and more than 145 blue light emergency call boxes around campus.
What services are available if I am travelling late at night?
– Both Centro and Birnie Bus offer bus services, and taxis are always an option. Additional bus routes have been added to cover more off-campus housing locations. As a supplement to the bus services, theLate Night Safety Escort Shuttle operates Sunday through Wednesdays until 3:30 a.m. and overnight on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays until regular bus services start at 6:00 a.m. Take advantage of the free safety escort services by calling 315-443-SAFE (7233).
Does DPS patrol off-campus areas?
– Absolutely! The DPS Orange Watch unit patrols off-campus neighborhoods via walking, biking, and vehicle patrols on virtually every student rental area street every few minutes. The Neighborhood Safety Patrols, a joint DPS and Syracuse Police Department team, patrols in the immediate off-campus and fraternity/sorority neighborhoods focused on quality of life issues and student safety. The University Area Crime-Control Team (UACT), a joint DPS and Syracuse Police Department Team, patrols in the immediate off-campus and fraternity/sorority neighborhoods focused on robbery and burglary suppression.
Who else patrols with DPS?
– You will see officers from the Syracuse Police Department, SUNY-ESF, the VA Hospital, and SUNY Upstate Medical University patrolling the university hill area. You can always ask them for help!
How can I be safer on and off campus?
– Plan your study and activity around the bus schedules.
– Walk, bike or jog in groups of three or more, away from bushes, cars, and other objects a suspect could hide behind.
– Be aware of your surroundings: look and listen. Headphones and cell phones can create tunnel vision.
– Travel in well-lit and populated areas.
– Keep porch lights on at night.
– Don’t approach strangers or let them get close to you.
– If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. Go toward an open business or lighted house.
– Have your house or car keys in hand before you reach your door.
– Know where campus blue light alarms are and how to use them.
– If someone tries to rob you, don’t resist. Give up your property, not your life.
– If you are in a safe place to do so, attempt to get a description of the suspect(s) and any associated vehicles or license plate numbers.
What if I have ideas to improve services or increase safety on campus?
– Please call DPS at 315.443.2224 and ask to speak with one of the DPS crime prevention officers about personal safety. DPS is continually looking for ways to improve our services and would appreciate your suggestions.