DPS News

Important Winter Weather Information

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

As Central New York begins to experience winter weather, we are writing to provide important information on how the University navigates and communicates about extreme weather conditions. Please review the enclosed 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, closings or other operational changes. Academic Affairs, Campus Facilities, Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services, and the Student Experience Division are also consulted.

In the event extreme weather necessitates 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.

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

Sincerely,

Gretchen Ritter
Vice Chancellor, Provost and Chief Academic Officer

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

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

Public Safety Informational Notice: DPS Recovers Discarded Firearm

On Friday, November 17, 2023, at approximately 11:13 a.m., The Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to a report of a person possessing a firearm near a bus stop on Waverly Avenue. The suspect was said to have shown the weapon to a group they were with in a non-menacing manner.

Upon arrival, DPS and the Syracuse Police Department (SPD) began a search as the suspect had fled on foot toward Irving Avenue, where they were eventually detained without further incident. Once in custody, officers searched the suspect for a weapon with negative results. Officers conducted a search around the path the suspect took and quickly recovered a firearm that had been discarded into the bushes.

The suspect has been identified as a non-affiliate of Syracuse University and is currently in custody of SPD.

If you were in the vicinity at the time of this incident and have additional information to share, please contact SPD at 315.442.5222 or DPS at 315.443.2224. 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.

Public Safety Informational Notice: DPS Recovers Discarded Firearm, No Imminent Threat Towards Campus Community

On Friday, November 17, 2023, at approximately 11:13 a.m., The Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to a report of a person possessing a firearm near a bus stop on Waverly Avenue. The suspect was said to have shown the weapon to a group they were with in a non-menacing manner.

Upon arrival, DPS and the Syracuse Police Department (SPD) began a search as the suspect had fled on foot toward Irving Avenue, where they were eventually detained without further incident. Once in custody, officers searched the suspect for a weapon with negative results. Officers conducted a search around the path the suspect took and quickly recovered a firearm that had been discarded into the bushes.

The suspect has been identified as a non-affiliate of Syracuse University and is currently in custody of SPD.

If you were in the vicinity at the time of this incident and have additional information to share, please contact SPD at 315.442.5222 or DPS at 315.443.2224. 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.

October 2023 Updates From the Department of Public Safety

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

We know the past several weeks have been difficult for members for our campus community as the conflict in the Middle East has unfolded. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) team continues to work to provide a safe and respectful environment on our campus.

Listed below are some brief updates from the Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services (CSEMS) team:

• Engagement Efforts
• Community Police Academy Graduates
• Preparing Residences for Break
• Fire Prevention
• Employees of the Month
• Monthly Bias Update

Engagement Efforts

Our DPS team is always looking for opportunities to connect with our campus community. Here is what our team has been up to and has planned:

DPS Game Nights: We have enjoyed being able to engage with our students through our DPS Game Nights, where we provide a PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Oculus Quest for use. There is only one game night left on the schedule this semester. You can find us in the Schine Student Center from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5.

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

Reassurance Station: In partnership with Title IX and Apartment and Off-Campus Living, DPS held its “Reassurance Station” during Halloween weekend. Hundreds of students stopped by our table setup at 401 Euclid Ave., outside of Lyons Hall. Representatives from the aforementioned offices provided snacks while they reminded students of important safety tips and answered student questions. We look forward to continuing this initiative.

Crime Prevention Workshops: Crime prevention and education are important measures in reducing crime. Members of the Investigations and Crime Prevention Section provide crime prevention and general security and safety awareness presentations when requested by students, University employees and community groups.

Our team has recently held these workshops with various Syracuse University fraternities and sororities. To learn more about these workshops and request one please visit the Crime Prevention Workshop Request Form webpage.

Community Police Academy Graduates

Congratulations to our campus community members who completed our third Community Police Academy! This free four-week program, which took place throughout the month of October, is designed to give community members an idea of what it is like to be a member of the DPS team.

We are already hard at work preparing for our next iteration of the Community Police Academy slated for spring 2024. To learn more about this program and apply please visit the Community Police Academy webpage.

Preparing Residences for Break

As many of you plan to depart campus for Thanksgiving Break, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you to take necessary action to protect your residences, offices, cubicle spaces and belongings. Please review our recommended safety strategies to secure your spaces.

While many members of our community will be 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.

Fire Prevention

Our Fire and Life Safety Services team was busy throughout October promoting safety strategies in honor of Fire Prevention Week. In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. We recommend that you take a moment to review our fire safety strategies on our website.

Employees of the Month

Scott Manchin of the Video Access Security Technology Team (VASTT) and Officers Michael Gabriell, John Romano and Jessica Zaccari have been selected as our September 2023 Employees of the Month. Congratulations on a job well done! To read about their accomplishments, please visit the Employee of the Month webpage.

Monthly Bias Update

Nov. 1: Antisemitic language was discovered on a cubicle desk on the first floor of Bird Library and reported anonymously through the Stop Bias Portal.

Update: Facilities Services removed the graffiti swiftly. DPS officers thoroughly canvassed Bird Library; no additional graffiti was discovered. DPS investigators reviewed available video footage near the affected area. If you, or anyone you know, has information about this incident, we ask that you reach out to DPS right away.

Oct. 11: Bias motivated graffiti was discovered in two areas in Day Hall. A swift investigation determined that the graffiti was present during move-in in August 2023.

Update: DPS officers met with the reporting parties to gather additional information and offer support resources and services. DPS conducted a floor-by-floor canvass of Day Hall to check for additional graffiti; no other graffiti was discovered. The graffiti was removed.

As a reminder, if we do have additional updates they will be posted on the chart on our website and share any developments in this monthly email.

It is never too late to come forward with information on any bias incident or crime. 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
Student Experience Division

Public Safety Informational Notice: Secure Your Residence Before Leaving for the Holiday

With the holiday break quickly approaching, the Department of Public Safety is reminding the University community to take necessary action to protect your residences, offices, cubicle spaces and belongings.

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

• Secure doors and windows.
• Close all curtains/blinds.
• Make sure to lock your door.
• 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 know they are gone.

If you live off campus, please:

• Make your residence look occupied; consider buying a timer that automatically turns on interior and exterior lights at a predetermined time, or when there is motion.
• Be sure your outdoor lighting is working and sufficient.
• Lock sliding glass doors and place a wooden dowel or metal bar in the track of the door.
• Take anything valuable home with you, i.e. 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, many will remain here on campus. 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 a safe, happy and restful holiday.

Public Safety Informational Notice: DPS Urges Campus Community to be Aware of Off-Campus Crime

In response to recent incidents that occurred in off-campus neighborhoods, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Syracuse Police Department (SPD) are urging the Syracuse University and surrounding communities to be aware of their surroundings and take actions necessary to keep themselves and their property safe. In addition to encouraging vigilance among our community, DPS has increased its presence and patrols in the affected areas, as well as in other adjacent neighborhoods.

The recent incidents, all of which involved students, include three assaults, two robberies, and an occupied burglary, respectively, and occurred in the following areas:

  • Assault on Friday, November 3, near the 100 block of Stratford St., around 4:30 p.m.
  • Occupied burglary on Sunday, November 5, near the 700 block of Ostrom Ave., around 12:40 a.m.
  • Assault on Sunday, November 5, near the 700 block of Ostrom Ave., around 2:00 a.m.
  • Assault on Monday, November 6, near the 100 block of Stratford St., around 4:30 p.m.
  • Robbery on Monday, November 6, near the 1000 block of Comstock Ave., around 10:10 p.m.
  • Robbery on Monday, November 6, near the 400 block of Stratford St., around 10:30 p.m.

At this time, it is unclear if the incidents are connected. If you were in the vicinity at the time and witnessed any of these incidents, please contact SPD at 315.442.5222 or DPS at 315.443.2224. 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.

September 2023 Updates From the Department of Public Safety

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

It is hard to believe that October is already upon us. Our campus has been host to many exciting events throughout the beginning of the fall semester and I appreciate our campus community’s focus on safety.

Listed below are some brief updates from the Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services team including:

  • National Coffee With a Cop Day
  • Bicycle Safety and Security
  • Orange Safe Giveaway
  • FEMA Nationwide Emergency Alert Test
  • Resources From ITS
  • Employee of the Month
  • Monthly Bias Update

National Coffee With a Cop Day

Tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 4, is National Coffee With a Cop Day. Our officers will be out in front of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) offices in Sims Hall from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. serving free coffee, hot chocolate, tea and cookies. We will be giving away 20 U-bolt locks (on a first-come, first-served basis) and have a bicycle, scooter and skateboard registration station set up! Stop by to engage with the DPS team and share any feedback you have.

If you can’t make this event, don’t worry! Check out our event listings or follow us on social media for information on upcoming DPS events.

Bicycle Safety and Security

There has been an increase in bicycle thefts this fall, and DPS wants to remind you of proactive steps you can take to better secure your bicycle, scooter or skateboard:

  • Use a U-bolt locking device.
  • Register your bicycle, scooter or skateboard with DPS through the online form.
  • Do NOT leave your bicycle, scooter or skateboard unattended if it is not secured.

Our team recently apprehended a repeat offender partially responsible for the uptick in bicycle thefts, but please remain vigilant. Be on the lookout for in-person registration events by following us on social media.

Orange Safe Giveaway

We are celebrating 10,000 downloads of the Orange Safe app with a giveaway to some who have downloaded the app. To enter, visit the pinned post on our Instagram and follow the instructions in the caption for a chance to win.

If you haven’t downloaded Orange Safe yet, I strongly encourage you to do so. Orange Safe is a free app that provides several tools designed to keep you safe. Users can stay connected and receive important campus notifications, communicate with campus safety and gain access to resources needed most. To learn more and download today, visit our website at dps.syr.edu.

FEMA Nationwide Emergency Alert Test

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts on, Wednesday, Oct. 4, at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET.

This test will be directed to all consumer cell phones as well as through radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and wireline video providers. In case the test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the back-up testing date is Wednesday, Oct. 11. For more information on the test, please see the FEMA press release.

Resources From ITS

Email phishing scams, hoaxes, fake websites, spam and sundry schemes that hackers and identity thieves use to trick people into revealing bank account and credit card numbers, Social Security numbers and other confidential information is on the rise. Information Technology Services (ITS) wants to help the Orange community be aware of best practices around safe computing. Review these five tips from the ITS team to better protect yourself online.

Employee of the Month

Officer Liztazia Ramirez-Stephens has been selected as our August 2023 Employee of the Month. Officer Ramirez-Stephens is being recognized for her response and support in assisting with a serious line of duty injury suffered by a fellow DPS officer. Congratulations on a job well done!

Monthly Bias Update

Sept. 17: A resident on the 10th floor of Brewster Hall reported discovering antisemitic graffiti drawn on the whiteboard hanging on their door.

Update: Our team conducted a thorough canvass of the floor, interviewed multiple individuals and reviewed video, but we have no leads at this time. If you, or anyone you know, witnessed or has knowledge regarding this incident, we ask that you reach out to us right away.

As a reminder, if we do have additional updates they will be posted on the chart on our website and we’ll share any developments in this monthly email.

It is never too late to come forward with information on any bias incident or crime. 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
Student Experience Division

Public Safety Informational Notice: Off-Campus Robberies

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Syracuse Police Department (SPD) are investigating two off-campus robberies involving Syracuse University students that occurred within the past 24 hours. The incidents occurred at the intersection of Stratford Street and Lancaster Avenue and the intersection of Marshall Street and Walnut Avenue.

The incidents were reported to have occurred between the hours of 10 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 28 and 2:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 29. Though it’s early in the investigation, the incidents are believed to be connected based on the suspect description and the make and model of the vehicle. The suspects in both incidents are described as three to four males driving a black four-door sedan. The suspects assaulted the victims before stealing items of value and fleeing the scene; one student sustained injuries. Syracuse University is providing services to impacted students.

SPD will be leading the investigation, with the support of DPS officers. If you were in the vicinity at the time and witnessed either incident, please contact SPD at 315.442.5222 or DPS at 315.443.2224. 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.

Summer of Community Engagement for DPS

Engaging with the campus community is a main priority for the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety (DPS); however, the desire to connect and have meaningful interactions extends well beyond the borders of campus. Throughout the summer, DPS collaborated with numerous partners to partake in two summer programs that brought local high school students to the Syracuse University campus to learn and work alongside the DPS team.

“Syracuse University is a pillar in the local community,” says Associate Vice President and DPS Chief Craig Stone. “DPS has increased our community engagement on campus and the community at large. Our team enjoyed spending time with our youth and exposing them to opportunities at Syracuse University.”

Each program provided a unique experience to the local high school students who participated.

Summer Internship Program

DPS proudly took part in the University’s Summer Internship program hosted by the Office of Community Engagement in collaboration with the Syracuse City School District Career and Technical Education program.

Rising high school seniors participated in this six-week work opportunity that aligned them with their chosen learning pathway. Throughout the six weeks, the three student interns interacted with the entire Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services (CSEMS) team, rotating between different units.

Summer Internship Coordinator for DPS, Commander Michael Hartnett, was thrilled by the work of the interns, “The three young women that took part in our summer internship program were exceptional. They accomplished so much throughout the summer and helped our CSEMS team tackle various projects.”

The three interns were recognized at the end of the six weeks with a ceremony to celebrate their accomplishments alongside other interns who spent time with various other departments at the University.

Youth Leadership Camp

Our first annual Youth Leadership Camp ran throughout July. This was yet again another collaboration with the Syracuse City School District and their Career and Technical Education program, which brought rising ninth graders to campus for four days. The students participated in an expansive curriculum, including learning sessions that focused on life, career and education skills. The group also got out of the classroom to tour campus, see the athletics facilities, use the esports gaming room, try virtual reality law enforcement scenarios and learn how to use a fire extinguisher.

“I am thankful for all of the instructors and other groups that we collaborated with on our first ever Youth Leadership Camp,” says Youth Leadership Camp Coordinator Sergeant John Stephens, “Above all, I am grateful to the group of students that spent the week with us; hopefully, they learned some new skills they can put to use as they begin high school.”

The Office of Community Engagement and Government Relations was also a key partner in making the Youth Leadership Camp a reality. DPS is already evaluating ways to expand and grow the program for next summer.

“I’m extremely proud of the initiatives our team at DPS took on this summer,” says Stone. “We will continue to find ways to engage with the community and craft programming that will make a positive impact in their development.”