DPS News

April 2025 Update From the Department of Public Safety

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

As we enter the final month of classes and with final exams and end-of-year celebrations just around the corner, I want to thank our campus community for your continued support in helping the Department of Public Safety (DPS) ensure a safe and respectful campus.

In today’s message, I will address the following topics:

  • Community Engagement Events
  • Free Resources for You
  • Safety Reminders
  • Campus Peace Officer Academy
  • Employee of the Month

Community Engagement Events 

Safety Stations 

We invite you to visit with representatives from DPS, Title IX, Student Living and Community Standards outside of Lyons Hall, 401 Euclid Ave., on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, from 9 to 11:30 p.m. We will provide snacks, remind students of important safety tips and answer any questions you may have. Stop by and say hello to those stationed at the table! 

Earth Day Cleanup 

In celebration of Earth Day later this month, DPS is partnering with Fraternity and Sorority Affairs to organize a neighborhood cleanup for the third consecutive year. We look forwarding to teaming up with students to help make a positive difference for our campus community and neighbors.

DeStress With DPS

Join us on Tuesday, April 29, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Bird Library. Take a break from studying to grab some snacks, interact with our team and spend time with therapy dogs! 

Be sure to mark your calendar and follow us on social media for more information: @SyracuseDPS.

Free Resources for You! 

Here at Syracuse University, we have two FREE apps that can help you in your day-to-day life: OrangeNow and Orange Safe. Both apps are available for Apple and Android users.

OrangeNow 

Stay ahead of your day with OrangeNow. The app is a great way to help you navigate your class schedule, catch up on campus news, find dining options or check real-time bus arrivals!

Orange Safe 

The Orange Safe app provides tools designed to keep you safe! With the push of a button, you can communicate with DPS or 9-1-1 or use the chat feature to talk to our team of dispatchers. Some other helpful resources are the mobile blue light, safe walk, social escape, information on preventing scams and other emergency resources.

DPS is on the road to 20,000 Orange Safe downloads. Help us get there and you might be eligible to win a special prize! Stay tuned to our social media for more information!

Important Safety Reminders 

Our priority is our community’s safety. You can help keep yourself and those around you safe by employing these tried and true strategies:

  • When possible, move around campus in groups of three or more, especially after dark. And be sure to always pay attention to your surroundings!
  • Always lock your windows and doors for your residence, office and vehicle. Don’t leave valuable items where they can easily be viewed.
  • Follow the rules of the road when crossing the street or bicycling/skateboarding on and near campus.
  • Use a U-bolt locking device for your bicycle and make sure to register your bike with DPS.

More safety strategies can be found on our website. 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.

Campus Peace Officer Academy 

Six new recruits were sworn into the DPS Campus Peace Officer Academy on March 20. Mariyah Byrd, Matthew Calley, Jesus Gorra, Brennan Kreis and Misty Stephens are training to become Syracuse University campus peace officers. Additionally, Megan Healey will join this peace officer academy and head to Onondaga Community College upon completion.

During the academy, recruits will receive over 400 hours of classroom instruction and undergo 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. 

Employee of the Month 

I am pleased to announce that Officer Gregory Scheurer has been named March 2025 Employee of the Month. Congratulations on a job well done.

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

Go Orange!

Chief Craig A. Stone
Department of Public Safety

Public Safety Informational Notice: Swatting Call at SUNY-ESF, NO Active Shooter

The Department of Public Safety would like to inform the campus community that SUNY-ESF is currently responding to a swatting incident. We want to reassure everyone that there is no active shooter on campus, despite any reports you may have seen. Please be aware that you may notice an increased police presence, but rest assured, there is no ongoing threat. Thank you for your understanding.

DPS Campus Peace Officer Academy Officially Underway

Seven new recruits were sworn into the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety (DPS) Campus Peace Officer Academy on March 20 by Syracuse Police Department Chief Joseph L. Cecile. Collaborating with the Syracuse Police Department on the swearing-in ceremony serves as an official welcome and endorsement of the joint law enforcement efforts in the University area, and to provide these campus peace officers with the authority to enforce New York State law and local ordinances upon completion of the academy.

The recruits sworn into this academy class are:

  • Mariyah Byrd
  • Matthew Calley
  • Jesus Gorra
  • Brennan Kreis
  • Jonathan Pizarro
  • Misty Stephens

The individuals listed above are training to become Syracuse University campus peace officers. One additional recruit, Megan Healey is joining this peace officer academy and will be heading to Onondaga Community College upon completion.

“Starting at the academy is where the foundation of a great officer is built. It’s not just about learning the law—it’s about discipline, integrity and commitment to serving the community. Every recruit who walks through these doors has the potential to make a real difference. We are excited for them to start this journey, “said Sgt. Adam Wheeler, academy director.

This is now the ninth time that the Department of Public Safety has held its own peace officer academy.

During the academy, these recruits will be subject to technical, physical, classroom and field-based tests. Upon successful completion of the academy, graduates progress to field training with their respective field training officers for an additional 12 to 14 weeks.

Craig Stone, associate vice president and chief of the Department of Public Safety, addressed the friends and families of the recruits. “We are excited to welcome new members to our team who will assist us in keeping the campus community safe. We expect these new recruits to become leaders in the university community and strive to become great listeners, communicators and collaborative problem-solvers.”

The University’s Department of Public Safety provides around-the-clock protection to the Syracuse University campus. Through various patrol and crime prevention efforts, DPS partners with students, faculty and staff to identify, recognize and eliminate crime hazards and risks within the campus community.

The Department of Public Safety’s 2025 campus peace officer recruits. (Front row, left to right: Jesus Gorra, Misty Stephens, Mariyah Byrd and Megan Healey; back row, left to right: Brennan Kreis, Jonathan Pizarro and Matthew Calley)

The Department of Public Safety’s 2025 campus peace officer recruits. (Front row, left to right: Jesus Gorra, Misty Stephens, Mariyah Byrd and Megan Healey; back row, left to right: Brennan Kreis, Jonathan Pizarro and Matthew Calley)

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.

Internal Affairs/Professional Standards Investigations 2024

For the 2024 calendar year, the Department of Public Safety, (DPS) conducted a total of two (2) internal investigations.

Two (2) involved non-sworn personnel.

Of the two (2) complaints, one (1) was unfounded and resulted in no discipline for the non-sworn member. However, it provided DPS the opportunity for timely roll call training and one (1) was founded and mandated counseling and de-escalation training for the non-sworn member named in the complaint.

Additionally, the Department of Public Safety investigated one (1) Quality of Service complaint directed towards a sworn member. The complaint was determined to be unfounded after a thorough investigation led by the first line supervisor. The incident provided an opportunity for informal training that was conducted at the direction of the command staff of DPS.

The DPS shared one (1) Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) with the CRB for their review during the evaluation period. The SOP was:

Non-Sworn Personnel Training (2024-1)

Internal Affairs/Professional Standards Investigations 2023

For the 2023 calendar year, the Department of Public Safety, (DPS) conducted a total of three (3) internal investigations.

Two (2) involved sworn personnel. Both complaints investigated were founded and resulted in discipline to the employee’s identified. One (1) resulted in the suspension of a sworn member and one (1) in a verbal coaching session of a sworn member. 

One (1) involved a non-sworn personnel. The complaint was founded and resulted in the termination of a non-sworn member.

Additionally, the DPS investigated two (2) Quality of Service complaints. These both identified sworn members of DPS and both were investigated by the appropriate first line supervisor and both were deemed unfounded.

Review of the IA investigations revealed no discernible trends in performance amongst sworn and non-sworn personnel. Retraining has been completed at roll calls. A plan to incorporate training during yearly In Service training has been prepared.

The DPS shared five (5) SOP’s with the CRB for their review during this evaluation period. Those were:

  • BWC Policy (2015-2)
  • Recruitment Policy (2014-7)
  • Criminal Investigations (2011-13)
  • Career Development (2023-5)
  • Non-Sworn Training (2024-X)