DPS News

Public Safety Informational Notice: Vehicle Tampering and Attempted Thefts

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is investigating a series of vehicle break-ins and attempted thefts in the South Campus residential area over the past week. Hyundai and Kia models have been specifically targeted although other vehicles have also been impacted.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Always lock your vehicle doors and ensure windows are fully closed, even when parked close to your residence or only leaving the vehicle for a brief period.
Do not leave keys, key fobs, or valuable items inside your vehicle. If you need to leave valuables inside the vehicle, make sure they aren’t visible.
Park in well-lit areas whenever possible.
If you see suspicious individuals in parking areas, do not approach them. Instead, contact DPS immediately at 315.443.2224.
Report any damage to your vehicle or evidence of tampering to DPS as soon as you discover it.

REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
If you observe suspicious activity or have information regarding these incidents, please contact DPS at 315.443.2224 or the Syracuse Police Department at 315.442.5200. If you would like to anonymously report NON-EMERGENCY information for DPS, you can use the Silent Witness tool or the Orange Safe app.

We ask our community to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity promptly. Your quick reporting helps us respond faster and may prevent others from becoming victims.

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.

February 2026 Updates From the Department of Public Safety

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff: 

As we settle into the new year and navigate the rest of winter, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) remains committed to partnering with each of you to keep our campus community safe. We encourage you to review the important information below.

This monthly update includes:

  • Winter Weather Safety Reminders
  • Package Theft Prevention
  • Campus Safety Resources
  • Spring Semester Safety Tips

Winter Weather Safety Reminders

Central New York winters can be unpredictable. Snow, ice and freezing temperatures can last through February and March. Whether you’re walking between classes, commuting to campus or running errands, you need to be extra careful during winter.

Walking on Campus:

  • Wear appropriate footwear with soles offering good traction to prevent slips and falls on icy sidewalks.
  • Use designated walkways and avoid shortcuts across snow-covered areas where ice may be hidden.
  • Be aware that it may be difficult to see ice on asphalt surfaces.
  • Allow extra time to reach your destination; rushing on slippery surfaces increases your risk of injury.

Driving in Winter Weather: 

  • Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle before driving, including windows, mirrors, lights and the roof.
  • Reduce your speed and increase following distance in snowy or icy conditions.
  • Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with items like a blanket, flashlight, phone charger and snacks.
  • If conditions become unsafe while driving, find a safe place to pull over and wait for conditions to improve.

Dress for the Weather: 

  • Layer your clothing and wear a warm coat, hat and gloves when heading outdoors.
  • Be aware of frostbite and hypothermia risks during prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.

Package Theft Prevention

Online shopping and package deliveries continue year-round, making package theft an ongoing concern. Protect your deliveries with these simple steps: 

Prevent Package Theft: 

  • Track your packages and plan to be home when they arrive or arrange for pickup at a secure location.
  • Request signature confirmation for valuable items.
  • Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect packages if you’ll be away.
  • Consider having packages delivered to a package locker if available.
  • If you live off-campus, bring packages inside immediately upon delivery.

For On-Campus Residents:

  • Retrieve packages from your residence hall mail room promptly after receiving notification.
  • Never leave packages unattended in common areas or hallways.

If a package is stolen, report it immediately to DPS at 315.443.2224 and provide as much information as possible.

Important Campus Safety Resources 

We want to remind you of the campus safety resources available to you:

Orange Safe App

Connect directly to DPS with the push of a button, use Mobile Blue Light to share your location and access the Safe Walk feature. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play store.

Emergency Contact

For emergencies, call DPS at 315.443.2224 or use one of the Blue Light emergency phones located throughout campus.

Campus Safety Information

Visit dps.syr.edu for comprehensive safety information, tips and resources. 

Anonymous Reporting

Use the Silent Witness tool to submit information anonymously about suspicious activity.

Spring Semester Safety Tips

As we move through the spring semester, remember to stay aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Use the Orange Safe app’s Safe Walk feature or request a safety escort shuttle. Keep your residence, vehicle and belongings secure by locking doors and windows and never leave valuables visible in your car.

DPS is here 24/7 to serve the Syracuse University community. If you see something concerning or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

We Are Here to Help 

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 receive support, visit the STOP Bias website.

Sincerely,

Chief Mike Bunker
Department of Public Safety

DPS Student Employees Make Meaningful Impact During Fall Semester

Article written by Lily Mallette, DPS Communications and Marketing Assistant

During the Fall 2025 semester, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) was strengthened by the dedication and professionalism of its student employees.

Working in multiple units across DPS, these students supported essential operations that help DPS serve the campus community. Their work reflects not only completed tasks—but also meaningful skill development and a deeper understanding of what it takes to keep a campus the size of Syracuse safe.

Read the full story on Syracuse University Today.

DeStress with DPS Brought Smiles, Support, and Stress Relief to Bird Library

Story by Alexa Selter, a senior in the Newhouse School of Public Communications and a communications and marketing assistant with the Department of Public Safety

As finals season kicked into high gear, Bird Library started feeling a little busier, a little louder, and a lot more caffeinated. To help students take a breather, the Department of Public Safety hosted its “Destress with DPS” event on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

Therapy dogs greeted students in the lobby, snacks were up for grabs, and students stopped by between study sessions to say hello, decompress, and maybe pet a dog (or three).

“We’re not just here for emergencies; we’re part of this community. Bringing therapy dogs and spending time with students during finals was one small way we could show our support,” said Officer Marcella Jewell. “Events like this let us connect with students in a way that is low-key and genuine.”

Beyond the puppies and snacks, the event also gave students a chance to chat with DPS staff casually, learn about campus safety resources, and put faces to the people behind the uniforms.

“It’s really important to take breaks when you’re stressed, especially in an environment like the library where you can feel pressure to constantly be working. Events like this remind us that it’s okay to pause, and it shows that the Syracuse community and staff genuinely care about our well-being,” said Nikki Saffar, a junior psychology major. “Plus, everyone loves dogs, so that’s a bonus.”

The atmosphere was relaxed, and the goal was simple: to give students a moment to pause during a stressful week and remind them that DPS is here as a resource and an integral part of the campus community.

Finals week can be overwhelming. DPS hopes events like this made the campus feel more connected and reminded students they weren’t tackling the semester alone.

With finals behind you and winter break ahead, take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the well-deserved break.

Public Safety Informational Notice

As we approach the holiday break, the Department of Public Safety reminds all community members to take proactive steps to protect your residences, offices, cubicle spaces and belongings during this time.

For Those Who Live and Work On Campus
Please take the following steps to secure your personal and work space:

  • Securely lock doors and windows.
  • Close all curtains/blinds.
  • Make sure to lock your door.
  • Unplug all electrical items, except refrigerators.
  • Do not leave your keys in a visible area.
  • 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

  • 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/use dusk to dawn light bulbs.
  • Lock all doors and windows in the residence.
  • If you are leaving your personal vehicle in an unsecured parking lot or on street parking over the winter break, you may want to consider purchasing and applying a steering-wheel lock. In addition, do not leave anything of value visibly inside the vehicle and lock all doors.
  • 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 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.
  • Consider placing your bicycle indoors while you are out of town.

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.

Important Winter Weather Information

As winter weather begins in Central New York, we are providing 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 operational 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 part of this decision-making process.

In the event weather conditions necessitate a change in the University’s operating
schedule, 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 communication
channels:
▪ Orange Safe (which can also be accessed in the “Orange Now” app);
▪ campus @syr.edu email;
▪ text message to registered cell phone numbers in MySlice;
▪ a “crawl” on campus TV monitors and University websites;
▪ X: @SyracuseUToday and @SyracuseDPS;
▪ Facebook: @SyracuseUToday and @SyracuseDPS;
▪ news.syr.edu and Syracuse.edu; and
▪ Syracuse University public radio station WAER-FM/88.3 and other local media
outlets.

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 classstart 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 direct 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: dps.syr.edu

Staying Safe While You Shop: DPS Offers Tips for the Holiday Season

Story by Alexa Selter, a senior in the Newhouse School of Public Communications and a communications and marketing assistant with the Department of Public Safety

With the holiday season upon us, many at Syracuse University, like students, faculty and staff, are planning to look for deals online and in stores. While the excitement of finding a great sale can be fun, this time of year also brings an increase in scams targeting consumers nationwide.

The Department of Public Safety encourages everyone to stay alert when shopping, particularly online, to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scammers often create fake shopping sites or social media ads that imitate real retailers, using stolen logos and deep-discount pricing to lure buyers into sharing payment information.

On the Syracuse University DPS Website, the Scam Alert Guide highlights common warning signs, including suspicious purchase requests and phishing links. It also provides practical steps to help community members identify and report scams before they spread. The resource explains how to verify legitimate messages, protect personal data, and safely respond to unexpected contact.

In addition, in the Orange Safe App, under Support Resources, there is a section on preventing scams. This free resource gives you tips and tools to help you avoid falling victim to scams. Besides fake websites, DPS urges people to look out for phishing emails and texts that seem to come from delivery firms or banks. These messages often have links to fake tracking pages or ask you to check your payment details.

If You Think You’ve Been Targeted

If you receive a suspicious message, encounter a questionable website, or believe your personal information has been compromised, report it immediately through the Orange Safe app or by calling 315-443-2224.

A Final Reminder

The holidays should be about celebrating, hanging out with friends and family, and giving, — not stressing over getting scammed. Just taking a little extra time to be aware before you click or buy things can really help keep your money, privacy, and sanity safe.

From all of us at the Department of Public Safety, stay safe, stay smart, and enjoy the season responsibly.