DPS News

April 2023 Updates From the Department of Public Safety

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

It is hard to believe we have reached the final weeks of the spring semester. I hope it has been a rewarding and enjoyable year for all of you at Syracuse University. Please stay safe as the semester winds down.

In my last update of the semester, I will touch on:

  • DPS Game Night Giveaway
  • R.A.D. Summer Session Sign-Ups Open
  • Earth Day Clean-Up
  • Employees of the Month
  • Safety Strategies
  • Monthly Bias Update

DPS Game Night Giveaway

Our final DPS game night of the semester is this Wednesday, May 3, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Schine Student Center. I hope you’ll consider joining us to celebrate a successful semester of game nights. We will be running a giveaway contest—stop by our table at game night to find out how you can win a Syracuse University jersey or even your own SpikeBall set! Be sure to mark your calendar and follow us on social media for more information @SyracuseDPS.

R.A.D. Summer Session Sign-Ups Open

R.A.D., which stands for Rape Aggression Defense, is a nationally known self-defense program. The program uses realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for individuals who want to learn such 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.

Join the Department of Public Safety for a women-only self-defense course offered exclusively to Syracuse University students, faculty and staff on the following dates:

  • Sunday, June 18
  • Sunday, June 25
  • Sunday, July 9
  • Sunday, July 16

All sessions will be held in the Skybarn on South Campus from 5 to 8 p.m. Faculty and staff have the option to attend with their daughters (anyone under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian). To learn more and register, visit the DPS website.

Earth Day Clean-Up

In celebration of Earth Day, DPS partnered with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs to organize a neighborhood clean-up. The turnout was outstanding, with more than 100 students taking time out of their Saturday morning to help make a positive difference for our campus community. DPS is looking forward to continuing this initiative in the future. To learn more about the clean-up, please visit our Instagram page: @SyracuseDPS.

Employees of the Month—April 2023

I am pleased to share that Community Service Officer (CSO) Martha Farmer and Officer Greg Scheurer have been selected as our April 2023 Employees of the Month.

CSO Farmer was selected because of the countless times she has gone above and beyond for the campus community during her 15 years with us. She is always looking out for other team members, making sure to help in any way she can. She thoroughly enjoys getting to know the students, chatting with parents and families, and working athletics events. CSO Farmer was even personally invited by the students to attend the department graduation at Peck Hall this year. It is great to see our staff connecting with the campus community.

Meanwhile, Officer Scheurer was instrumental in resolving two recent cases. These include a larceny case in Bird Library and the successful resolution of a bias incident in Watson Hall. In one case, Officer Scheurer responded to a larceny in progress at Bird Library and was able to locate and arrest the suspect. In the second case, Officer Scheurer responded to Watson Hall regarding a bias incident, conducted a thorough investigation and was able to locate the student/suspect that made a derogatory remark. I am proud of Officer Scheurer’s efforts and appreciate his commitment to the safety and well-being of our campus community.

Congratulations to this month’s honorees.

Safety Strategies

As the semester wraps up and the weather gets nicer, I want to remind you all that we usually see an uptick in crime. It is essential to remain vigilant to ensure a safe and secure environment over the next couple of weeks. I’d like to remind you of some steps you can take to keep yourself and your property safe.

  • Lock your doors and windows, even if you are going to be away for just a short period of time.
  • Hide or lock up your valuables; do not leave them where criminals can easily see them.
  • Remind your roommates to take the same action.
  • Remain vigilant.

For more safety tips, visit the Safety Strategies webpage.

Monthly Bias Update

March 27: A University employee reported the theft of two flags, the Haudenosaunee flag and the LGBTQ+ flag. The flags were among those flown on flag poles on the Quad outside of Hendricks Chapel.

Update: Through extensive review of video footage DPS was able to follow a lead that successfully resulted in the return of the flags from a non-affiliate. The flags were also returned with Syracuse University branded banners, which were also stolen during the incident.

April 13: A Lawrinson Hall resident advisor reported that a resident received a note that was slid under their door that included a homophobic/anti-LGBTQ+ slur.

Update: Additional interviews have been conducted. We continue to investigate and request that anyone who may have information about this incident contact us.

April 21: A Syracuse University student reported receiving a hateful message from an unknown user via Facebook messenger. The message contained hateful language targeting the Hindu religion.

Update: DPS officers met with the student to gather additional information. Support resources and services were offered to the student. DPS is continuing to investigate the origin of the message, which at this time remains unknown. We ask that anyone who may have information about this incident contact us.

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.

Thank you all for making my first full year in Syracuse such a rewarding experience. I am already looking forward to seeing familiar and new faces back here in August. Lastly, to the Class of 2023, I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

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

Public Safety Informational Notice: Attempted Sexual Assault Reported in Thornden Park

Trigger Warning: This warning addresses a report of sexual misconduct. There are dedicated resources, services and supports for those impacted by sexual and relationship violence. For confidential support, contact the Sexual and Relationship Violence Response Team at 315.443.8000, or visit srv.syr.edu for additional information.

On Friday, April 14, 2023, at approximately 5 p.m. the Department of Public Safety (DPS) received a report of an attempted sexual assault in Thornden Park. According to the report, a Syracuse University student was approached by an unknown male wearing no clothing. The suspect threatened the student and told the student not to scream. That is when the student claimed to be accompanied by others in the park, which, according to the student, scared off the suspect. The suspect then fled on foot. No injuries were reported.

The suspect is described as a large, heavyset male, approximately 50 years old, standing 5’ 8” to 5’ 9” in height, with a mole under his left eye. The suspect was seen carrying a white shirt and a set of keys.

The Syracuse Police Department (SPD) will be leading the investigation, with the support of DPS officers. If you were in the vicinity at the time and witnessed the 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.

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. There are also dedicated resources, services and supports for survivors of sexual and relationship violence. In addition, for your safety, please review these suggested safety strategies, as well as guidance and intervention strategies on how to be a prosocial bystander.

This public safety information is issued for your safety in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act.

Public Safety Informational Notice: FALSE Report Called in to Law Enforcement, Confirmed to be FALSE

Syracuse University Department of Public Safety (DPS) received a FALSE report of a rumored active shooter situation in the Maxwell School. Out of an abundance of caution, DPS officers responded and confirmed this report to be FALSE. Together with our law enforcement partners, we are investigating who is responsible for making this false report. If you have any information, please contact DPS or local police.

How DPS Communicates in the Event of an Imminent Threat to Public Safety

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

I am writing to make you aware of a disturbing and recent trend affecting schools, colleges and universities known as “swatting.” Swatting is when an anonymous caller makes an intentionally false report of the presence of an active shooter. Syracuse University experienced a case of swatting last night.

Some of you may have observed posts on social media claiming there was a shooter on our campus. When we learned of this claim, our officers in the Department of Public Safety (DPS) immediately responded to the report’s location where they confirmed the report was unfounded. Simultaneously, we were in touch with our local law enforcement partners who confirmed the report was similar in nature and origin to other swatting calls that have occurred in New York state and elsewhere.

I recognize the threat of an active shooter situation is all too real in the United States, particularly in light of today’s tragedy in Louisville, Kentucky, and other recent mass shootings in our country. As your police chief, it is my responsibility to ensure you are and feel safe on this campus. Part of that responsibility is having an emergency notification process in place that clearly communicates to our community when a threat to public safety is present. It is also my responsibility to prevent panic when no threat exists.

Notification Methods: Orange Alert System

In the event of an active shooter situation, you will receive immediate communications from DPS. These communications will be made via the Orange Alert System. Orange Alert provides 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 in which an immediate threat of physical harm exists.

We reserve the use of this system for situations where there is an active or imminent threat of physical danger to our campus community. That is because when you receive an Orange Alert, we need you to know to take immediate action as directed. Orange Alert will leverage the following communications methods:

  • email;
  • text messaging;
  • social media networks;
  • cell/landline phone calls to send a brief notice about the incident and instructions about what actions to take; and
  • sirens that sound on North Campus and South Campus.

After an Orange Alert message is broadcasted, more detailed follow-up information will be provided until it is determined the threat has been eliminated.

Sign Up in MySlice

To receive the emergency communications, all students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to log in to MySlice to ensure their contact information for Orange Alert is up to date. It is important to note that to receive text message notifications your cell phone number must be designated as a mobile device.

My colleagues and I 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. 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.

Sincerely,

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

March 2023 Updates From the Department of Public Safety

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

The end of the semester is fast approaching; I hope you all had a restful spring break and are now ready for the home stretch of the 2022-23 academic year.

In today’s message, I will address the following topics:

  • Peace Officer Academy Update
  • Recent Department of Public Safety (DPS) Investments
  • DPS Game Nights
  • Employees of the Month
  • Crime Prevention Tips
  • Monthly Bias Update

Peace Officer Academy Update

Another Peace Officer Academy is officially underway. On March 9, five new recruits were sworn in by Syracuse Police First Deputy Chief Richard Shoff. It was an exciting day for our entire department as these recruits start their journey toward becoming campus peace officers. During the next several months these recruits will be subject to technical, physical, classroom and field-based tests. Upon successful completion of the academy, graduates progress to field training with their respective field training officers for an additional 12 to 14 weeks. I look forward to providing updates on their progress in future messages.

Recent DPS Investments

New Signage: Keeping the campus community safe and informed is of the utmost importance. DPS recently invested in the production of new safety resource signs, which have been installed in the neighborhoods surrounding campus. In total, 94 signs were installed to replace existing signage. The main upgrades to the signage are highlighting the Orange Safe mobile safety app and the addition of a QR code that will bring users to important DPS and campus resources. Be sure to check out the new signs when you are out enjoying this warmer weather!

UTV Ready: Be on the lookout for our brand-new utility terrain vehicle (UTV) around campus soon. The UTV will significantly enhance DPS patrol operations (on- and off-road) moving forward. It will also be useful during large scale events on campus such as move-in/move-out, concerts, athletic events and Commencement. The UTV will be an integral part of our operation and increase our engagement with the campus community. I am excited to see it used in a plethora of ways!

DPS Game Nights

During this academic year, we have been holding game nights in the Schine Student Center and have enjoyed being able to engage with our students through this program, where we provide a PlayStation 5 (PS5) and Oculus Quest for use. There are only a handful of game nights left on the schedule. You can find us in the Schine from 5 to 8 p.m. on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, April 19
  • Wednesday, May 3

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 for more information @SyracuseDPS.

Employees of the Month—March 2023

I am pleased to share that Officer Nadia Diaz, Quartermaster Joe Dishaw and Detective Mike Toia have been selected as our March 2023 Employees of the Month!

As I shared last month, Officer Diaz and Quartermaster Dishaw coach a youth basketball team within the Syracuse Police Athletic League. They worked with a group of third to fifth grade girls throughout the past couple of months. The team showed remarkable improvement each week and learned valuable teamwork and leadership skills.

Detective Toia is being honored for playing an essential role in assisting with five separate felony investigations, one burglary and four grand larceny/forgery incidents. Despite these cases falling under Syracuse Police Department jurisdiction, he took it upon himself to track down leads, review video footage, and worked with other agencies to help identify the perpetrators in these cases. Additionally, Detective Toia helped solve a case in which a student was being harassed via social media. Congratulations to our three winners!

Crime Prevention Tips

As the weather gets nicer, it is typical to see an uptick in criminal activity. Typically, most incidents reported involve no forced entry. Perpetrators usually enter through unlocked doors and windows and take advantage of what they perceive as easy targets. I’d like to remind you of some steps you can take to keep yourself and your property safe.

  • Lock your doors and windows, even if you are going to be away for just a short period of time.
  • Hide or lock up your valuables; do not leave them where criminals can easily see them.
  • Remind your roommates to take the same action.
  • Remain vigilant.

For more tips, visit the Safety Strategies webpage.

Monthly Bias Update

March 5: A Watson Hall resident reported overhearing the use of a homophobic/anti-LGBTQ+ slur on the third floor.

Update: DPS met with the reporting party and conducted multiple interviews in Watson Hall. Additionally, DPS has reviewed available video footage and notified the Syracuse Police Department and New York State Police. We ask anyone who may have information about this incident to contact us.

March 6: A University employee reported seeing an individual walking on campus wearing a winter hat with a confederate flag.

Update: DPS was able to locate and identify the individual in question. It was determined that the individual was a non-affiliate and was subsequently told to leave campus.

March 26: A Watson Hall resident reported they heard the verbal use of a slur targeting sexual orientation.

Update: Suspect identified and case turned over to the Office of Community Standards.

March 27: A University employee reported the theft of two flags, the Haudenosaunee flag and the LGBTQ+ flag, among those flown on flag poles on the Quad outside of Hendricks Chapel.

Update: DPS is following up on multiple leads by conducting interviews and continuing to review security footage. Syracuse Police Department and New York State Police have been notified.

March 27: A student observed three individuals in a classroom in the Hall of Languages maligning marginalized communities through derogatory commentary and offensive drawings.

Update: Suspects identified and case turned over to the Office of Community Standards.

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.

I wish you all a safe, productive and fun finish to the semester.

Sincerely,

Chief Craig A. Stone
Department of Public Safety