DPS News

April 2026 Updates From the Department of Public Safety

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

April is a busy and meaningful time on the Syracuse University campus. As the semester approaches its final stretch, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) wants to make sure our community has the tools, resources and awareness to finish the year strong—safely. We encourage you to review the important information below.

This monthly update includes:
• DeStress With DPS
• Distracted Driving Awareness Month
• Sexual Assault Awareness Month
• Finish Strong, Stay Safe: Finals Tips

DeStress With DPS

Finals season can be stressful—and DPS wants to help you take a breather. Join us for DeStress with DPS on Tuesday, April 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Bird Library. Our table will be located on the ground level near the Waverly Street entrance. Stop by between study sessions to grab snacks, spend time with therapy dogs and chat with members of our team.

We’re not just here for emergencies—we’re part of this community. We hope to see you there!

Follow us on social media (@SyracuseDPS) for updates and reminders.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. With warmer weather bringing more pedestrian and bike traffic near campus, the risks of distracted driving are especially real in our community.

Tips for Drivers

  • Put your phone down. No text, call or notification is worth a life.
  • Yield for pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections.
  • Watch carefully before making right turns and turns at green lights—a pedestrian or cyclist may be in your path.
  • Slow down around campus and obey posted speed limits.

Tips for Pedestrians and Cyclists

  • Cross only at marked crosswalks and wait for the walk signal.
  • Avoid looking at your phone while crossing the street.
  • Make eye contact with drivers so you know they see you.
  • Wear a helmet when cycling and obey all traffic signals.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. DPS is committed to supporting a safe and supportive campus environment for all members of our community. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual or relationship violence, you don’t have to navigate it alone—resources are here for you.

  • Barnes Center at The Arch: 315.443.8000
  • Student Title IX Case Management: 242 Marley Education Center
  • DPS: 315.443.2224 (available 24/7)
  • For more information and resources, visit sexualrelationshipviolence.syr.edu.

Finish Strong, Stay Safe: Finals Tips

With late-night study sessions in full swing at the libraries, academic buildings and off campus, here are a few reminders to help you wrap up the semester safely.

Getting Around at Night

  • Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone after dark when possible.
  • Stick to well-lit routes and remove headphones so you can hear what’s around you.
  • Use the Orange Safe App’s Safe Walk feature or the free Safety Escort Shuttle (parking.syr.edu).

Protect Your Belongings

  • Never leave your laptop, phone or backpack unattended in a public space, even briefly.
  • Lock your room every time you leave—even just to step down the hall.
  • Track deliveries and retrieve packages promptly, as package theft increases at end of semester.

Look Out for One Another

  • Finals stress is real; check in on friends and classmates.
  • If something seems off, trust your instincts and contact DPS at 315.443.2224.

We Are Here to Help

As a reminder, if you have information that may be 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. In addition, to report a bias incident or to receive support, visit the STOP Bias website.

Sincerely,
Chief Mike Bunker
Department of Public Safety

Public Safety Informational Notice

On Thursday evening, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to a report of a person who was allegedly seen holding a weapon in the vicinity of Orange Hall. DPS officers responded immediately and quickly determined that the individual in question was not in possession of a weapon. As such, there was never a threat to the campus community.

The safety and security of the Syracuse University campus remains DPS’ highest priority. We thank the campus community for their cooperation during our response.

25 – Public Safety Informational Notice

On Thursday evening, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to a report of a person who was allegedly seen holding a weapon in the vicinity of Orange Hall. DPS officers responded immediately and quickly determined that the individual in question was not in possession of a weapon. As such, there was never a threat to the campus community.

The safety and security of the Syracuse University campus remains DPS’ highest priority. We thank the campus community for their cooperation during our response.

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.