Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
As we begin a new academic year, I am writing to provide an overview of resources and services that are available to you. I also want to outline the processes and protocols that guide how the Department of Public Safety (DPS) communicates about safety matters.
Safety Strategies
All members of our community play a role in keeping our campus safe. Please review these safety strategies, which I encourage you to adopt while at Syracuse University.
- Download the new safety app from DPS, Orange Safe. With this app, users can stay connected and receive important campus notifications, communicate with campus safety, and gain access to resources.
- 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.
- 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. Utilize the safety escorts shuttles provided by Parking and Transportation Services.
- Run. Hide. Fight.: In the event of an active shooter situation, it’s important to be prepared. We created a videofor you to understand the importance of these three words: Run. Hide. Fight.
- 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 website.
Bias Incidents
In 2020, we introduced 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. 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 in order 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 the aforementioned 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.
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.
Wishing you a productive semester!
Sincerely,
Craig A. Stone
Associate Vice President and Chief
Department of Public Safety
