DPS News

March 2025 Update From the Department of Public Safety

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

Preparing Your Residence for Spring Break

As spring break approaches, many of you will depart campus over the next couple of days. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds you to take the following necessary steps to protect your residence and belongings before you leave.

For those who live on campus, please take the following steps to secure your space:

  • Secure and lock all doors and windows.
  • Close all curtains/blinds.
  • Unplug all electrical items, except refrigerators.
  • Do not give your keys out.
  • Mark/engrave all items of value and keep a record, including serial numbers.
  • Do not leave credit cards, checkbooks, cash, vehicle keys/fobs or other valuables readily accessible; these can be taken and used by a thief.

If you live off campus, please take the following steps:

  • Make your residence appear occupied; consider buying a timer that automatically turns on interior and exterior lights at a predetermined time, or when there is motion.
  • Use dusk-to-dawn light bulbs and/or make sure your outdoor lighting is working and sufficient; contact your landlord if it is not.
  • Lock sliding glass doors and place a wooden dowel or metal bar in the track of the door.
  • Take anything valuable home with you (e.g. laptop computer, video game console, jewelry, etc.).
  • Do not leave any valuable items near windows. Take pictures of anything valuable and ensure that you have installed tracking software and documented the serial numbers of all electronic devices.
  • Unplug all electrical items, except your refrigerator and timers.
  • If you have a security alarm, make sure you turn it on when leaving.

If you see anything suspicious, for on campus, please call DPS at 315.443.2224 or use the Orange Safe app or for off campus, call the Syracuse Police Department at 315.442.5111.

While many members of our community will be traveling during the break, others will remain on campus or in Syracuse. As a reminder, the Department of Public Safety is always working and available to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you observe anything concerning.

As always, our recommended safety strategies can be found on our website.

Wishing you all safe travels and a restful spring break.

Public Safety Notice: Armed Robbery on Van Buren Street

The Department of Public Safety and the Syracuse Police Department are investigating the report of an armed robbery complaint that occurred last night, Tuesday, February 25, at around 11:30 p.m. It happened on Van Buren Street near the BBB complex.

A Syracuse University student reported walking on Van Buren when an unknown male approached him, displayed a gun and demanded the student hand over their iPhone and Airpods. The student complied and the suspect fled on foot away from campus.

The suspect is described as an adult male with long hair wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, light colored jeans and Nike sneakers.

If you were in the vicinity at the time and witnessed the incident, please contact the Syracuse Police Department at 315.442.5222 or the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224. If you would like to anonymously report NON-EMERGENCY information for DPS, you can use the Silent Witness tool or the Orange Safe app.

If you or someone you know has been affected by an incident on or near campus, please know that there are resources available to you. In addition, for your safety, please review these suggested safety strategies.

This public safety information is issued for your safety in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act.

January 2025 Updates from the Department of Public Safety

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

It is hard to believe we are already a month into the Spring 2025 semester. If you haven’t yet, please review our communication that was sent out at the beginning of the semester, which highlighted important campus safety communications.

In today’s message, we will cover the following:

  • Orange Alert Test 
  • Safety Strategies
  • Community Police Academy
  • Employee of the Month

Orange Alert Test 

Last week, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) conducted a test of the Orange Alert Campus Crisis Alert Notification System. It was a full test of the system, which included notifications sent via email, text message and voice call. The test also included the outdoor siren system on the University’s North and South campuses. If you did not get the email, text or voice call, please take the following steps: 

  • Log in to MySlice using your NetID and password.
  • Select Student Home or Employee Home, depending on your primary affiliation with Syracuse University.
  • Select the Personal Profile tile, then “Orange Alert Contacts” from the navigation menu and update your information. If you need to add, update or delete contact information, select the “Add/Update/Delete Contact Details” link.

Please note that our Orange Alert messaging will never ask you to follow a link or provide personal information. For additional information on the Orange Alert system, visit the DPS website.

Safety Strategies 

Keeping Your Vehicle Safe 

DPS is monitoring an increase in larcenies of items in vehicles in the east neighborhood area, particularly around the 100 and 200 blocks of Comstock Avenue. To enhance your safety and protect your personal belongings, we recommend taking the following steps:

  • Park your vehicle in an area you are familiar with and that has proper lighting.
  • Close and lock all vehicle windows and doors.
  • Store valuable items in secure places where they are out of plain sight, such as a glove box or trunk, and bring items like your laptop computer or phone inside with you.
  • Do not leave your keys in the vehicle or your vehicle running even for a few minutes.
  • Immediately report all suspicious activity and behavior.

Please contact DPS at 315.443.2224 if you have any information regarding these recent crimes or if you have fallen victim to a crime.

Staying Warm and Safe During Winter Weather 

At times the Syracuse area can experience strong winter weather. Whether that’s snowfall, sleet/icing or colder temps, we want to pass along some important safety strategies you can take to keep warm and remain safe during these events:

  • Regularly stay informed by following the news and National Weather Service Binghamton.
  • Keep a stock of non-perishable food.
  • Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight and warm clothes.
  • If you must go outside, walk carefully on snowy and icy sidewalks and keep dry by changing wet clothing frequently.
  • Avoid traveling until conditions have improved. If you do have to travel, give yourself ample time to get to your destination, and use roadways that are heavily traveled, are cleared and have less incline.

Don’t forget, DPS is here 24/7, 365 days a year at 315.443.2224.

Community Police Academy 

Want to learn what it’s like to protect and serve our campus community? Join our Community Police Academy (CPA) for a four-week program on DPS programs, policies and procedures. The comprehensive instruction includes open discussion and scenario-based role playing.

The CPA is open to current students, faculty and staff members who are at least 18 years of age. Our first class is tomorrow, Wednesday Feb. 12; if you want to join, apply today! 

Employee of the Month

Emergency Communication Center Dispatcher Bailey Pattillo and Officer Thomas Bingham were selected for our December 2024 Employees of the Month. Officer George Wazen was selected as our January 2025 Employee 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

Public Safety Informational Notice

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is actively investigating multiple reports of criminal mischief and vehicle larcenies. The reports occurred primarily in the east neighborhood area, particularly around the 100 and 200 blocks of Comstock Ave.

We ask our community members, particularly those living in off-campus neighborhoods, to remain alert for suspicious activity. To enhance your safety and protect your personal belongings, we recommend taking the following steps:

  • Park your vehicle in an area you are familiar with and that has proper lighting;
  • Close and lock all windows and doors;
  • Store valuable items in secure places where they are out of plain sight, such as a glove box or trunk and bring items like your laptop computer or phone inside with you;
  • Do not leave your keys in the vehicle or your vehicle running; and
  • Report all suspicious activity and behavior immediately.

Please contact DPS at 315.443.2224 if you have any information regarding these recent crimes. If you would like to anonymously report NON-EMERGENCY information for DPS, you can use the Silent Witness tool.

This public safety information is issued for your safety in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act.

Important Campus Safety Communications

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

For those just joining our campus community, welcome! And to our returning students, faculty and staff, welcome back! With a new semester underway, we would like to take this opportunity to review the processes and protocols that guide when and how the Department of Public Safety (DPS) communicates about safety matters.

Communications Processes

The summary below explains how and why DPS issues emergency notifications and public safety messages. This includes how, when and via what channels we issue safety communications. Regardless of the incident or situation, we will always prioritize the safety of our campus community.

We issue broad communications:

  • When there is an active or imminent threat of physical danger to the campus community.
  • When there is an active crime scene on or immediately adjacent to the campus and we need community members to avoid the area.
  • When a suspect is at large on or immediately adjacent to the campus and we need the community’s help locating the individual.

We will not issue broad communications:

  • When initial investigation into an incident indicates there is no ongoing, active or continuing threat.
  • When another law enforcement agency has jurisdiction or is the lead investigator on an active case, and we have been directed by that agency not to issue a notice. That agency may ultimately communicate to the broader public and direct us to inform our community.
  • When communicating broadly will impede or jeopardize an active investigation. Please note: Although it is our intention to communicate in a timely manner, we will always prioritize maintaining the integrity of an investigation, especially when we are following active leads.

Reporting a Crime 

To report an incident to DPS, please call us immediately at 315.443.2224, toll-free at 855.443.2224, by dialing 711 from a campus landline or via the Emergency Contacts button on the Orange Safe app. If you would like to anonymously report non-emergency information to DPS, you can use the Silent Witness tool.

Reporting a Bias Incident 

To report a bias incident or to receive support from Student Experience staff, visit the STOP Bias website.

Public Safety Messages (Timely Warnings)

Public safety messages are distributed via email and posted on the DPS website and on DPS social media accounts. There are three types of messages:

  1. Public Safety Notice designates a timely warning related to an ongoing concern for violence.
  2. Public Safety Information designates a warning related to an ongoing property crime problem or about general safety-related information.
  3. Public Safety Update provides information regarding a threat that has passed or an update to a previously issued Public Safety Notice.

These messages promote safety and are intended to inform the community of suspects at large or an ongoing threat to campus community members and to seek the community’s help in identifying suspects and gathering pertinent details. Follow-up information will be disseminated when appropriate and all alerts are posted online.

Emergency Notification and Response (Orange Alert)

The Orange Alert system is designed to provide rapid notification and instructions to Syracuse University students, faculty and staff, and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry students in the event of a verified crisis where an immediate threat of serious physical harm exists.

Orange Alert uses email, text messaging, push notifications from the Orange Safe app, social media networks and cell/landline phone calls to send a brief notice about the incident and instructions about what actions to take. Additionally, sirens will sound on North Campus and South Campus. After an Orange Alert message is broadcast, more detailed follow-up information will be provided.

This system is also utilized in the event of extreme weather, and with the current threat of extreme winter weather, it is vital to input your most up-to-date contact information.

Sign Up in MySlice

To receive the aforementioned communications, all students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to log into MySlice to ensure their contact information for Orange Alerts is up to date. To receive text message notifications, your cell phone number must be designated as a mobile device.

We are always available to discuss our processes, protocols and how we collaborate with local, state and federal law enforcement to keep our campus community safe. DPS is here for you 24/7 by calling 315.443.2224 or by connecting on the Orange Safe app.

Wishing you a successful semester!

Sincerely,

Chief Craig A. Stone
Department of Public Safety

DPS to Conduct an Orange Alert System Test on Wednesday, Feb. 5

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) will conduct a test of the Orange Alert Campus Crisis Alert Notification System on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 12:40 p.m. It will be a full test of the system, which includes notifications sent via email, text message and voice call. The test will also include the Orange Alert outdoor siren system on the University’s North and South campuses. The sirens will be activated for two minutes at 12:40 p.m.

In addition to email, text and voice messages, the Orange Alert test message will also be sent via push notification to the Orange Safe app, to the main Syracuse University and DPS Facebook and Twitter accounts, and will display on the University’s homepage and video monitors located in common areas in several buildings around campus.

The Orange Alert message will be sent to all Syracuse University students, faculty and staff, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) students and to SUNY ESF faculty and staff who have signed up. Orange Alert will send a notice to all devices that are registered on the system.

“As we do every semester, it is time for us to do a full-scale test of the Orange Alert System,” says William Karnadi, director of emergency management and business continuity planning. “Ahead of the test on Wednesday, please go into your MySlice account and verify your contact information is up to date. This includes making sure your cell phone is categorized as a mobile device, so that you receive our text messages.”

To review and/or modify your Orange Alert contact information, go to MySlice, log in using your NetID and password, select Student Home or Employee Home, depending on your primary affiliation with Syracuse University, select the Personal Profile tile, then “Orange Alert Contacts” from the navigation menu and review your information. If you need to add, update or delete contact information, select the “Add/Update/Delete Contact Details” link. If you are an ESF student, use the ESF emergency contact information page to update your information.

For additional information on the Orange Alert system, visit the DPS website.