DPS News

For the official source of information about Syracuse University’s plans and important health and safety precautions for the Fall Semester 2020, visit syracuse.edu/fall2020.

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

I am writing today to provide our monthly update regarding the investigation of bias incidents that have occurred on our campus. First, however, I want to address recent events that are deeply troubling to me, as they are to you.

As a father, a person of color and an officer of the law, I am outraged by the death of George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement. I am appalled by the officers’ callous disregard for human life. These racist, violent and hateful crimes have gone on too long, and I am heartened by the thousands of people—from all races, ethnicities and cultures—who have come together to demand change.

Last weekend, we heard from Chancellor Syverud, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Keith A. Alford and Hendricks Chapel Dean Brian Konkol. They remind all of us that we must do better by one another. For me and my law enforcement colleagues, that means condemning the actions of those responsible for Mr. Floyd’s death; acknowledging the anger, fear and pain created by racism and hate; and embracing our responsibility to our communities and country to address these injustices. I am committed to making real and lasting cultural change. I know for many, that change has not come quickly enough. I remain focused on advancing the commitments we made to our campus in recent months, particularly as it relates to campus policing, as part of that change.

Regarding the bias incidents that occurred on our campus this past year, our investigations team, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to actively investigate these incidents. There are no new updates to report at this time but we continue this important work. As a reminder, we have created a table that is posted on the Department of Public Safety website to track the investigative status of these incidents.

It is never too late to come forward with information. A reward still remains available, thanks to the generosity of a concerned donor, for those who provide information that leads to the identification of responsible individuals. We can always be reached at 315.443.2224. If you would like to anonymously report NON-EMERGENCY information to DPS, you can use the Silent Witness tool or submit anonymous tips via the LiveSafe app. You may subscribe to the bias incident page at dps.syr.edu/public-information/bias-incident-reports.

Although we are in the midst of summer break, and as such, many of you are away from campus, I want to hear from you. Please don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss anything that may be on your mind.

Sincerely,

Chief Bobby Maldonado

Update:

• Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo earlier todayannounced all NYS on Pause restrictions and closures will be extended until May 15th. This action is taken in consultation with other regional states. The states will re-evaluate after this additional closure period.
• Governor Cuomo also directed all New Yorkers to wear masks or face coverings on public transportation systems and while taking private transportation or riding in for-hire vehicles. Additionally, all operators of public systems, private carriers and for-hire vehicles must wear a mask or face covering at all times while working. These directives expand on the Executive Order announced by the Governor yesterday requiring all people in New York to wear a mask or a face covering when out in public and in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained. The Executive Order will go into effect on Friday, April 17th, at 8 PM.

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Update:

• Governor Cuomo has directed the state nonessential workforce to continue to work from home for an additional two weeks through April 15th.
• In-person workforce restrictions, which have been implemented through various executive orders are also extended until April 15th.
• Statewide school closures are extended by two weeks until April 15.

 

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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced he is signing the “New York State on PAUSE” executive order, a 10-point policy to assure uniform safety for everyone. It includes a new directive that all non-essential businesses statewide must close in-office personnel functions effective at 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, and temporarily bans all non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason.

The 10-point plan is as follows:

1. Effective at 8PM on Sunday, March 22, all non-essential businesses statewide will be closed;
2. Non-essential gatherings of individuals of any size for any reason (e.g. parties, celebrations or other social events) are canceled or postponed at this time;
3. Any concentration of individuals outside their home must be limited to workers providing essential services and social distancing should be practiced;
4. When in public individuals must practice social distancing of at least six feet from others;
5. Businesses and entities that provide other essential services must implement rules that help facilitate social distancing of at least six feet;
6. Individuals should limit outdoor recreational activities to non-contact and avoid activities where they come in close contact with other people;
7. Individuals should limit use of public transportation to when absolutely necessary and should limit potential exposure by spacing out at least six feet from other riders;
8. Sick individuals should not leave their home unless to receive medical care and only after a telehealth visit to determine if leaving the home is in the best interest of their health;
9. Young people should also practice social distancing and avoid contact with vulnerable populations; and
10. Use precautionary sanitizer practices such as using isopropyl alcohol wipes.

To read more about this new executive order, visit the Governor’s website at governor.ny.gov.