DPS News

August 2023 Updates From the Department of Public Safety

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

It is wonderful to see our campus full of life once again. Our entire Department of Public Safety (DPS) team has enjoyed seeing all the new and returning faces over the past couple of weeks. I hope everyone has settled in nicely as the semester gets underway.

If you haven’t yet, please review the communication that was sent out last week which highlighted important safety resources and services. Additionally, I have several updates to provide today, including the following:

  • Orange Safe App Milestone
  • Evacuation Assistance Request Form Available in MySlice
  • Community Police Academy and R.A.D.
  • DPS Community Engagement Events
  • Employee of the Month
  • Monthly Bias Update

Orange Safe App Milestone

Recently, Orange Safe eclipsed 10,000 downloads. It is encouraging to see how receptive our campus community has been to the app. We plan to celebrate 10,000 downloads by rewarding some of those who have downloaded the app. Please be sure to follow us on social media for your 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.

Evacuation Assistance Request Form Available in MySlice

Students, faculty and staff with temporary or permanent disabilities, or other mobility-related concerns, can now request various types of assistance during an emergency evacuation on campus. This includes wheelchair users, individuals who are blind/low vision, deaf/hard of hearing, sensitive to noises and/or crowds, in need of text/written communications and more. To request assistance, log in to MySlice, navigate to the “Personal Profile” tile and select “Evacuation Assistance Request” from the menu. Read more on SU News.

Community Police Academy and R.A.D.

Our DPS team is still accepting applications for our Community Police Academy and registrations for our R.A.D. self-defense course. Please review the following information to determine if these programs may be of interest to you:

Community Police Academy: 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. For the Fall 2023 semester, the classes will be held every Wednesday in October from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in 020 Lyman Hall.

R.A.D. Self-Defense Course: 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, and progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. For the Fall 2023 semester, the classes will be held the first four Sundays of October from 5 to 8 p.m. in Skybarn on South Campus.

To learn more and register, visit our website.

Community Engagement Events

Our DPS team is always looking for opportunities to connect with our campus community. Here are some events our team has planned throughout the month of September:

DPS Game Nights: Game nights will be held again this semester in the Schine Student Center! There will be a PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Oculus Quest available for use, or just stop by to chat with DPS staff. You can find us in the Schine from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, Sept. 12 and 26.

Reassurance Station: In partnership with Title IX and Apartment and Off-Campus Living, DPS has launched a “Reassurance Station” on weekend evenings. This past weekend the event saw nearly 1,000 students stop by where our team was 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 any questions that students had. The “Reassurance Station” will be setup once again the next two nights (Sept. 8 and Sept. 9) from 9 p.m. to midnight outside of Lyons Hall. Please feel free to stop by and say hello to those stationed at the table!

As always, we welcome your suggestions on other events we can host that allow our officers and our community to get to know each other better. Be sure to mark your calendar and follow us on social media (@syracusedps) for more information on these events.

Employee of the Month

Officer Jessica Mehlek has been selected as our August 2023 Employee of the Month. Officer Mehlek is being recognized for the role she played in diffusing a physical domestic dispute. Thanks to her timely response and ability to perform under pressure, the suspect was taken into custody without further incident. Congratulations to Officer Mehlek on a job well done!

Monthly Bias Update

Aug. 30: Two Syracuse University students reported being called the N-word by an individual unknown to them in the fourth-floor hallway of Flint Hall. The reporting students said the slur was used by an individual in a group of four to five women.

Update: DPS has met with the reporting students to gather additional information. Multiple canvasses and interviews have been conducted, along with an extensive review of CCTV footage. The Syracuse Police Department and New York State Police have been notified. If anyone has relevant information regarding this incident, we ask that you reach out to us.

Aug. 27: A Syracuse University employee reported hearing an antisemitic slur from a passing car. The driver was identified as a non-affiliate who claims he was misheard. Due to a lack of witnesses and security footage with audio, the investigation has been closed due to inconclusive evidence.

It is also 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.

Stay safe and have a productive start to the semester.

Go Orange!

Chief Craig Stone
Department of Public Safety
Student Experience Division

Important Campus Safety Resources and Services

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

As our campus community is ready to embark on a new academic year, I want to take this opportunity to offer a warm welcome to all our new and returning students, faculty and staff.

In this message I will share information about the University’s “Run. Hide. Fight.” video, offer an overview of safety strategies and resources that are available, and explain the processes and protocols that guide how the Department of Public Safety (DPS) communicates about safety matters.

‘Run. Hide. Fight.’ Video Updates

Over the summer our team was hard at work finding ways to improve the “Run. Hide Fight.” video to make it more accessible to and reflective of our community. I would like to thank everyone who assisted in the improvement of this vital training resource.

“Run. Hide. Fight.” is considered a best practice in crisis response, particularly in the event of an active shooter situation. Many organizations, including Syracuse University, subscribe to this model in response to any immediate threat.

I hope all of you take the time to check out the updated videoand learn the “Run. Hide. Fight.” model. In the event of an active shooter situation, it’s important to be prepared and utilize these strategies until law enforcement can respond and take control of the situation.

Safety Strategies

Every member of our campus community can play a role in keeping our campus safe and secure. Please review the following safety strategies, which I encourage you to implement while at Syracuse University:

  • Download the Orange Safe mobile safety app. With this app, users can stay connected and receive important campus notifications, communicate with campus safety and gain access to resources.
  • Follow us on social media: @syracusedps. Our social media offers an avenue to quickly receive important emergency notifications, information on DPS events and important safety reminders.
  • Check out SU Today for campuswide information and follow @syracuseunews. Syracuse University News Services is responsible for the distribution of campuswide announcements, public safety notices and other critical messages to the University community.
  • Always lock your windows and doors, even if you’re only going to be away from your room for a short period of time or while you’re sleeping at night, if possible. Criminals look for opportunities like an open window or unlocked door, especially on ground floor levels.
  • Never leave cell phones, laptops, wallets, car keys or other valuables out of your sight—it only takes a few seconds for someone to walk away with them.
  • Use a U-bolt locking device for your bicycle and register your bike with DPS.
  • Avoid walking alone after dark, always try to travel in a group whenever possible.
  • Use simple steps to ensure rideshare safety. Remember SAMI: Stop, Ask, Match, Inform.
  • If you or someone you know has been affected by an incident on or near the Syracuse University campus, please know there are many services and resources available to you as a member of the Syracuse University community.

Communications Processes

The summary below explains how and why DPS uses emergency notification and public safety messages. This includes how, when and via what channels we issue safety communications to our campus community.

DPS Issues Broad Communications Across the Campus Community:

  • 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 perpetrator is at large on or immediately adjacent to the campus and we need the community’s help locating the individual.

Broad Communications Will Not Be Issued:

  • When initial investigation into an incident indicates there is no continuing threat.
  • When another law enforcement agency has jurisdiction or is the lead investigator on an active case, and we have been directed not to issue a notice. That agency may 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 or Bias Incident

Anyone with information warranting an Orange Alert or a Public Safety message is encouraged to report the incident to DPS by immediately calling 315.443.2224; toll-free 855.443.2224; 711 from a campus landline; or via the Orange Safe app.

If you would like to anonymously report NON-EMERGENCY information to DPS, you can use the Silent Witness tool. To report a bias incident or to receive support, visit the STOP Bias and Hate website.

Bias Incidents

DPS maintains a Bias Incident Reports webpage where we aggregate bias-related incidents. This page is updated and accessible to students, faculty, staff, parents and other community members. Bias-related incidents are posted to this page within 48 hours, unless posting will impede or jeopardize an active investigation. Anyone has the option to subscribe and receive bias incident reports directly via email. This protocol has been developed in partnership with the Syracuse Police Department, New York State Police, the FBI and district attorney’s office and is aligned with best practices of peer universities.

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:

  • Public Safety Notice designates a timely warning related to an ongoing concern for violence.
  • Public Safety Information designates a warning related to an ongoing property crime problem or about general safety-related information.
  • Public Safety Update provides information regarding a threat that has passed or an update to a previously issued Public Safety Notice.

Public safety messages include information about the incident that triggered the warning to promote safety and enable members of the campus community to protect themselves from similar incidents. They 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 there exists an immediate threat of serious physical harm. All DPS officers have the authority to activate the Orange Alert system if necessary.

Orange Alert utilizes email, text messaging, 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 located on the Kenneth A. Shaw Quadrangle, Whitman School of Management building, the Falk College complex and South Campus housing will sound in the event of an Orange Alert. After an Orange Alert message is broadcast, more detailed follow-up information will be provided through various means, including but not limited to the University’s website, University social media resources, email, phone and campus radio and television resources.

Sign Up in MySlice

To receive Orange Alert and Public Safety communications, all students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to 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, select “Orange Alert Contacts” from the navigation menu, and then review your information.

If you need to add, update or delete contact information, select the “Contact Details” from the navigation menu. Utilize the “Orange Alert Private Phone” feature to add a secondary/emergency contact (i.e., parent, spouse, sibling, etc.) to receive alerts.

Our team at DPS is always available to discuss our processes, protocols and how we collaborate with local, state and federal law enforcement to keep our campus community safe. Finally, remember that the Department of Public Safety is here for you 24/7 by calling 315.443.2224 or by connecting on the Orange Safe app.

I wish all of you an enriching and safe semester!

Sincerely,

Craig A. Stone
Associate Vice President and Chief
Department of Public Safety

DPS Programming for Fall 2023 Semester

Join the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety (DPS) throughout the Fall 2023 semester for opportunities to learn, interact and engage with our team. For some events, like our DPS Game Nights in the Schine Student Center, Coffee with a Cop in early October and De-stress with DPS at Bird Library during finals week, you can just stop by at your leisure; for other programs, you have to sign up for including:

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

DPS Campus Peace Officer Academy Graduates a New Class

Earlier today, families, friends and colleagues of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Campus Peace Officer Academy recruits gathered together to celebrate their graduation. The ceremony, held at Drumlins Country Club, was an opportunity to reflect on their accomplishments but also look forward to the journey that awaits them.

“I believe that an officer’s job is more than just a craft and a profession. It is a career and a calling. Throughout your career, you will have the opportunity to make an impact on people’s lives,” said Craig Stone, associate vice president and chief of the DPS, while addressing the friends and families of the recruits.

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

July 2023 Updates From the Department of Public Safety

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

It is hard to believe our campus will be welcoming you all back in just a few short weeks. I’m very proud of our Department of Public Safety (DPS) team for all the work being done in preparation for the fall semester.

I have several important topics I would like to address with you this month in our update, including the following:

  • Welcome Back
  • Peace Officer Academy Update
  • Youth Leadership Camp
  • Employee of the Month
  • Monthly Bias Update

Welcome Back

With students (new and returning), faculty and staff arriving in the coming weeks, I want to remind the campus community that our DPS staff is here to assist in any way we can. Whether you see our officers at an event, on the Quad or in passing, feel free to ask them any questions or just say hello!

We know that the beginning of the semester can be stressful, and we will be on the lookout to help whenever possible. I urge all of you to download the Orange Safe app and follow us on social media in advance of your return to campus to receive all of the latest updates from DPS.

Peace Officer Academy Update

Our latest peace officer academy is nearing its conclusion. Five new recruits are slated to graduate at the end of this week and will then begin their field training. They will work side-by-side with veteran DPS officers before embarking on solo patrol duties to serve the campus community.

I look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of this group on Friday. To see updates as the academy wraps up, please follow our Instagram page: @SyracuseDPS.

Youth Leadership Camp

Our first annual Youth Leadership Camp recently wrapped up. This collaboration between Syracuse University DPS and the Syracuse City School District Career and Technical Education program 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 would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all our guest instructors who took time out of their schedules to work with this group and the Office of Community Engagement and Government Relations for partnering with us in this endeavor. Our staff at DPS did an exceptional job planning the camp and they are already thinking of ways to expand the program as we plan for next summer.

Employee of the Month: June 2023

I am pleased to share that Officer John Mazurowski has been selected as our June 2023 Employee of the Month.

Officer Mazurowski is being recognized for his exceptional work in response to a burglary alarm in which a suspect was taken into custody without further incident. His efforts kept the situation contained and avoided escalation that could have put others at risk. Congratulations to Officer Mazurowski!

Monthly Bias Update

There are no new updates to share. As a reminder, if we do have additional updates, we will update the chart on our website and share any developments in this monthly email.

It is also 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.

Look forward to seeing you all soon!

Sincerely,

Chief Craig A. Stone
Department of Public Safety