DPS News

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

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.

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

Public Safety Informational Notice

On Thursday, December 19, shortly before 11:30 a.m., the Department of Public Safety received a report of a deceased individual on the fifth floor of Huntington Hall. Both DPS and Syracuse Police responded to the scene.

There are no signs of foul play or suspicious activity and the Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office has since removed the deceased from the building. The individual was not affiliated with Syracuse University.

To report an emergency, 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.

November 2024 Updates From the Department of Public Safety

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

This will be our final monthly update of the Fall 2024 semester. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) team wants to thank you for your commitment to safety throughout this year. We wish you all a happy, healthly and safe holiday season.

In this monthly update we will cover:

  • De-Stress With DPS
  • Spring Semester Engagement Efforts
  • Preparing Residences for Winter Break
  • Orange Safe Reminder
  • Celebrations
  • Monthly Bias Update

De-Stress With DPS 

Join us for De-Stress With DPS tomorrow, Dec. 11, from 8 to 10 p.m. at Bird Library. Take a break from studying to grab some snacks, interact with our team and spend some time with therapy dogs.

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

Spring Semester Engagement Efforts 

Our DPS team is always looking for opportunities to connect with the campus community. Listed below are a few upcoming events planned for 2025:

Community Police Academy

Our Community Police Academy is back for the Spring 2025 semester. This is a free four-week program designed to give eligible students, faculty and staff an idea of what it’s like to protect and serve our campus community. The classes will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Lyman Hall, Room 132, on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, Feb. 12
  • Wednesday, Feb. 19
  • Wednesday, Feb. 26
  • Wednesday, March 5

To learn more and apply, please visit the Community Police Academy webpage.

R.A.D. Self Defense Classes

R.A.D. is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques. The R.A.D. system is a comprehensive course that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance. It then progresses to the basics of hands-on defense training. The classes will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on the following dates:

  • Tuesday, Feb. 4
  • Tuesday, Feb. 11
  • Tuesday, Feb. 18
  • Tuesday, Feb. 25

To learn more and register, visit the R.A.D. webpage.

Preparing Residences for Winter Break

As many of you plan to depart campus for the winter break, please take this opportunity to take necessary action to protect your residences, offices, cubicle spaces and belongings. Please review our latest informational notice about how to secure your spaces.

While many members of our community will be heading elsewhere after finals, many will remain around campus. As a reminder, DPS is always working and available to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 315.443.2224 if you observe anything concerning.

Orange Safe App Reminder 

Do you have the Orange Safe App? If you haven’t already downloaded the app, I urge you to do so. We are closing in on 20,000 downloads, and you could help us reach this milestone. Be on the lookout during the Spring 2025 semester as we plan an Orange Safe App giveaway for when we hit that milestone.

The Orange Safe App is free to download and provides students, faculty and staff a number of tools designed to keep everyone safe. Some of the highlighted features include:

  • Easy Emergency Communication: Directly connect to 9-1-1 for off-campus emergencies or DPS in an on-campus emergency
  • Mobile BlueLight: Simultaneously send your location to and call the DPS Emergency Communications Center
  • Safe Walk: Send your location to a friend and they can watch you walk to your destination
  • Tip Reporting: Prevent dangerous situations by submitting a tip and have real-time chat interactions with a member of the DPS
  • Social Escape: Get out of a tough social situation by receiving a call and giving you an excuse to leave

And with the winter weather upon us, you can also get some safety tips by reviewing our emergency plans in the Orange Safe App. They include safety tips for instances like extreme cold/snow and more.

Celebrations

CALEA Accreditation 

DPS recently received advanced accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). The number one priority of DPS is keeping the campus community safe. This is accomplished through adhering to public safety standards set forth by CALEA. During our assessment, DPS demonstrated compliance with CALEA’s advanced standards. Throughout the process, the department consistently met the stringent criteria set by CALEA, showcasing its commitment to maintaining the highest levels of professionalism, accountability and operational excellence.

Employee of the Month 

Detective Tracey Johnson has been selected as our November 2024 Employee of the Month. Congratulations on a job well done! To read about her accomplishments, please visit our Employee of the Month webpage.

Bias Incidents 

It is never too late to come forward with information on any crime or issue of concern. 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

Final exams have almost arrived and soon many of you will depart our campus for the winter break. The Department of Public Safety is reminding the University community to take the necessary steps to protect your residences and belongings before you leave.

For those of you 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 or other valuables readily accessible; these can be taken and used by a thief before you realize they are gone.

If you live off campus, please:
• 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 and 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.

Even during the winter break, 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. As always, our recommended safety strategies can be found on our website.

Wishing you all safe travels, a happy holiday season and a restful winter break.

Important Winter Weather Information

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

As Central New York begins to experience winter weather after a mild fall, we are writing to provide important information on how the University navigates and communicates about extreme weather conditions. Please review the following information carefully.

Syracuse University generally remains open for business in inclement weather, while always prioritizing the safety and well-being of our community members. We work with Precision Weather Service to help inform our decisions about weather delays, class cancellations or other operational changes. Community members representing Academic Affairs, Campus Facilities, Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services and the Student Experience Division are also consulted.

In the event weather conditions necessitate a change in the University’s operating status, it will be announced via the University’s emergency broadcast notification system and will carry the notice SU WEATHER ALERT. To ensure you receive these messages, please confirm your Orange Alert settings are up to date in MySlice.

SU WEATHER ALERT information will be announced via the following communications channels:

Only Syracuse University’s Division of Communications is authorized to transmit to the campus community and the news media about closings, work-schedule changes or class-start delays.

Although Syracuse University rarely closes for inclement weather, individuals must make personal decisions based on a risk assessment related to travel. We encourage all employees to take precautions and use good judgment when traveling to/from work. Faculty and staff concerned about travel conditions should contact their department chair or supervisor, respectively. Students, particularly those who commute to and from campus, should contact their professor if they have concerns about attending class.

For information on winter weather preparedness, please visit the Department of Public Safety website.

Sincerely,

Lois Agnew
Interim Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer

Andrew R. Gordon
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer

Craig A. Stone
Chief, Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services