DPS News

Public Safety Update: Suspect Taken into Custody

On Sunday, April 17, 2022, at approximately 8:44 p.m., the Onondaga County Emergency 911 Center received a report of an active incident occurring off campus in the 500 block of Westcott Street. The Syracuse Police Department (SPD) responded to the scene. After a brief standoff, SPD took a suspect into custody. There continues to be police activity in the area.

We ask our community to remain away from the area until the scene has been cleared by the Syracuse Police Department.

Public Safety Notice: General Incident

On Sunday, April 17th, 2022 at approximately 8:44 p.m., the Onondaga County Emergency 911 Center received a report of a incident that occurred on the 500 block of Westcott St. The Syracuse Police Department are on the scene and investigating this incident. We ask that you stay away from the area, at this time. More information to follow.

Public Safety Informational Notice: Off-Campus Burglaries

In recent days, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Syracuse Police Department (SPD) have been investigating burglaries in off-campus neighborhoods. The most recent incidents were reported in the following areas:

  • 800 block of Ostrom Avenue
  • 500 block of Euclid Avenue
  • 200 block of Comstock Avenue

DPS wants to remind you to secure your belongings and residence before you leave. Many of the burglaries that have occurred this semester have happened when the alleged burglars have entered properties through unlocked windows and doors. No incidents involving forced entry have been reported.

We encourage you to take the following steps.

  • Lock all doors and windows.
  • Do not leave your car keys out in the open.
  • Mark/engrave all items of value and keep a record including serial numbers.
  • Do not leave credit cards, blank checks, or other valuables readily accessible; these can be taken and used by a thief before you know they are gone.
  • Make your house look occupied; buy 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.
  • 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.

If you observe anything suspicious, for on-campus, please call DPS at 315.443.2224 or use the Rave Guardian app or for off-campus, call the Syracuse Police Department at 315.442.5111.

Test of Orange Alert Campus Crisis Alert Notification System Scheduled for Wednesday, April 20

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) will conduct a test of the Orange Alert Campus Crisis Alert Notification System on Wednesday, April 20, at 3:40 p.m. ET. 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 3:40 p.m.

To read the full announcement, visit news.syr.edu.

University Seeking Nominations for Student of Color Advisory Committee

Syracuse University is seeking student nominations for the Student of Color Advisory Committee, the student group tasked with collaborating closely with the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

This committee, which originated in Fall 2018 with the idea of bringing students, DPS members and other campus community members together to focus on integrating public safety with quality-of-life matters, will provide feedback on safety and DPS intervention, among other topics. Students selected as part of the committee will work with DPS and other staff members to develop solutions to further ensure the well-being of students on and off campus.

To read more, visit news.syr.edu.