The drill, taking place March 31 to April 3, allows various agencies to practice their response to real-life events and plan for interagency cooperation.
Read the full story on news.syr.edu.
DPS News
Public Safety Informational Notice
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is informing the Syracuse University community of an off-campus burglary that was reported last night, Friday, March 20.
At approximately 9:40 p.m., DPS and the Syracuse Police Department (SPD) responded to a residence in the 300 block of Comstock Ave. regarding an occupied burglary. A Syracuse University student reported that three unknown males entered the off-campus residence through an unsecured front door and took personal property, including a wallet, identification, credit and debit cards, cash, and vehicle keys. The suspects also attempted to steal the student’s vehicle. The vehicle was located and returned to the student.
With students, faculty and staff now back on campus following Spring Break, we want to take this opportunity to remind our community to take steps to protect yourselves and your belongings:
• Always lock and secure your doors, even when you are home.
• Do not prop or leave entry doors unsecured, including apartment and building entryways.
• Keep valuables out of plain sight and store important items like keys, wallets, and IDs in a secure location.
• Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity immediately.
• If your credit cards, debit cards, or SUID are lost or stolen, report and cancel them as soon as possible.
If you were in the vicinity at the time and witnessed the incident, please contact the Syracuse Police Department at 315.442.5222 or the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224. If you would like to anonymously report NON-EMERGENCY information for DPS, you can use the Silent Witness tool or the Orange Safe app.
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.
This public safety information is issued for your safety in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act.
March 2026 Updates From the Department of Public Safety
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) remains committed to partnering with each of you to keep our campus community safe. Please take a moment to review the important information below.
This monthly update includes:
- Orange Alert System Test March 19
- Know About TAMT: Threat Assessment and Management Team
- Keeping Your Vehicle Safe
- Warmer Weather Safety Reminders
Orange Alert System Test
DPS will conduct a full test of the Orange Alert System on Thursday, March 19, at 1:55 p.m. The test will include notifications sent via email, text message and voice call, as well as the Orange Alert outdoor siren system on the University’s North and South campuses. Sirens will be activated for two minutes at 1:55 p.m.
The Orange Alert test message will also be sent via push notification to the Orange Safe and OrangeNow apps, to the main Syracuse University and DPS social media accounts, and will display on the University’s homepage and video monitors in common areas across campus.
The message will be sent to all Syracuse University students, faculty and staff, as well as SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) students and SUNY ESF faculty and staff who have signed up. Orange Alert will send a notice to all devices registered on the system.
What you should do before March 19: Log into your MySlice account and verify your contact information is up to date. Select the Personal Profile tile, then select “Orange Alert Contacts” from the navigation menu to review your information. Make sure your cell phone is categorized as a mobile device so you receive text messages. For additional information on the Orange Alert system, visit the DPS website.
Know About TAMT: Threat Assessment and Management Team
Your safety is our priority. The Syracuse University Threat Assessment and Management Team (TAMT) is an interdisciplinary group of trained professionals dedicated to evaluating and addressing potential physical threats to our campus community.
TAMT is a proactive team that meets regularly to review concerning behaviors and develop strategies to keep our campus safe. The team monitors situations until they are resolved and participates in ongoing training to stay current with best practices.
When Should You Report to TAMT?
If you observe or experience behavior that raises concerns about potential threats to physical safety, TAMT wants to know. This could include threatening or violent language, obsessive or concerning fixation on individuals, sudden behavioral changes that raise safety concerns, or any situation that makes you feel unsafe.
How to Report:
- Online: dps.syr.edu/threat-assessment-and-management-team/reporting-to-the-tamt
- Phone: 315.443.2224
- In Person: 005 Sims Hall
All reports are handled with appropriate confidentiality and professionalism.
Keeping Your Vehicle Safe
With warmer weather approaching, more vehicles will be on the road and in campus parking areas. Here are a few simple steps to help protect your vehicle:
- Always lock your car, even if you’ll only be away for a few minutes.
- Never leave valuables—such as laptops, backpacks, bags, wallets or electronics—visible inside your vehicle. Place them in the trunk or, if you can, take valuables with you!
- Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas whenever possible.
- Take your keys and fob with you; never leave a spare inside the car.
- Report any suspicious activity around vehicles to DPS at 315.443.2224.
If your vehicle is broken into or stolen, report it to DPS immediately.
Warmer Weather Safety Reminders
The coming weeks will bring warmer temperatures and more opportunities to spend time outdoors. Here are a few reminders to help you stay safe as the season changes:
- Stay aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night or in less-traveled areas of campus. When possible, travel with friends.
- Use the Orange Safe app’s Safe Walk feature or request a safety escort shuttle when traveling after dark.
- As outdoor events and gatherings pick up, look out for your friends and fellow community members, seek assistance for a friend in need and walk in groups. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and contact DPS.
- Keep your residence and belongings secure: lock doors and windows, and never prop open residence hall doors for others.
We Are Here to Help
As a reminder, if you have information 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. To report a bias incident or receive support, visit the STOP Bias website.
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.
Public Safety Notice
At approximately 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) received a report of a suspicious person on the Waverly side of the Schine Student Center.
Upon arrival, DPS officers determined the individual, who has no affiliation with Syracuse University, was in possession of a weapon and was waiting to board a bus to Ithaca. DPS immediately took the person into custody and held them until Syracuse Police Department (SPD) officers arrived on campus, at which point the individual was turned over to SPD.
SPD is now leading a multi-jurisdictional investigation. Anyone with additional information or questions should contact the Syracuse Police Department directly.
Public Safety Informational Notice
With spring break just around the corner, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) encourages you to take a few important steps to safeguard your residence and personal belongings before heading out.
Here’s how to secure your space before you go:
Lock all doors and windows and double-check that they are secure.
Shut all curtains and blinds so the interior of your room is not visible.
Unplug all electronics and appliances, with the exception of refrigerators.
Never share or lend out your keys to anyone.
Record serial numbers and mark or engrave valuable items for identification purposes.
Store credit cards, checkbooks, cash, vehicle keys/fobs and other valuables out of sight — items left in the open are easy targets for theft.
If you live off campus, take these additional precautions:
Create the appearance that someone is home. Light timers that turn on interior and exterior lights at set times or in response to motion are an effective and affordable option.
Ensure outdoor lighting is functional and adequate. Dusk-to-dawn bulbs are a great option. If exterior lighting is insufficient, reach out to your landlord.
Secure sliding glass doors by placing a wooden dowel or metal bar in the door track to prevent forced entry.
Bring high-value items home with you whenever possible, such as laptops, gaming consoles, jewelry and other electronics.
Keep valuables away from windows. Photograph your belongings, install tracking software on electronic devices, and document all serial numbers.
Activate your security alarm before departing, if you have one.
Avoid having packages delivered while you are away. Unattended packages on porches and doorsteps signal that no one is home and can attract theft.
If you notice anything suspicious on campus, contact DPS at 315.443.2224 or use the Orange Safe app. For off-campus concerns, contact the Syracuse Police Department at 315.442.5111.
Whether you are traveling or staying in the Syracuse area over the break, please remember that DPS is here for you 24/7. Do not hesitate to reach out if you see or experience anything concerning.
For more tips, check out our recommended safety strategies on our website.
Have a safe and enjoyable spring break!