DPS News

Message From Loretta E. Lynch

Dear Members of the Syracuse University Community:

I write to share with you the report [PDF] that my team and I have drafted in connection with our independent review of the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety (DPS).

In our report [PDF], we review DPS’s conduct and performance with respect to the events of fall 2019 and spring 2020, including the investigation of bias-related incidents and the handling of protests on campus, along with its commitment to community policing more broadly. We make a number of recommendations that we believe would improve DPS’s relationship with the community. We also review and recommend changes to DPS policies and procedures to ensure they are consistent with best practices in community policing. Lastly, our report presents our final recommendations for the structure and procedures for the Community Review Board, which will further promote accountability for DPS.

To read the full message, visit news.syr.edu.

Information Technology Services, Department of Public Safety Investigating Feb. 17 ‘Zoombombing’ Incident

Syracuse University’s Information Technology Services (ITS) and the Department of Public Safety are investigating a reported “Zoombombing” incident that occurred on Wednesday, Feb. 17, during a virtual meeting of a student organization.

A participant reported that an unknown individual hacked the open session, repeatedly typed a racist epithet in the chat function and played offensive music. The organizer of the Zoom session quickly transitioned the open Zoom session to a private session and apologized to all participants.

The organizer notified the Department of Public Safety—who in turn contacted ITS. A full investigation is underway. At this time, it is unclear from where the hack occurred and whether the hacker has any affiliation with the University.

“Whether or not this individual has an affiliation with the University, this kind of racist behavior is appalling and has no role in our learning and living community,” says Chief Bobby Maldonado. “We will work with the appropriate law enforcement, as well as ITS, to investigate who is responsible and hold them accountable.”

“Zoombombing has been on the rise in the past year, particularly on college campuses, given the move to virtual learning,” says Samuel J. Scozzafava Jr., vice president for information technology and chief information officer. “It is critically important that all members of our community take the necessary precautions to secure their Zoom sessions to prevent hacking and to ensure a smooth and uneventful virtual learning and engagement experience.”

To read more, including important steps to take when hosting a Zoom session, visit news.syr.edu.

University Monitoring Winter Weather and Travel Conditions for Today and Tuesday, Feb. 16

Syracuse University is monitoring weather conditions pertaining to the Winter Storm Warning issued for today through the afternoon of Tuesday, Feb. 16. This effort includes reviewing the most up-to-date National Weather Service data and forecasting, and consulting with an independent meteorologist about what to expect.

Based on current conditions, the University expects to remain open and operational today (Monday, Feb. 15) and Tuesday, Feb. 16. 

To read more, visit news.syr.edu.

February 2021 Updates from DPS

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

As we start a new semester, we are starting a new format for monthly emails from the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Each month I will share important safety-related information and updates. For this month, we are going to highlight the following topics:

  • New Rave Guardian safety app
  • COVID reminders for the Spring 2021 semester
  • Monthly bias update

New Rave Guardian Safety App

Earlier this month, we announced that we are transitioning from the LiveSafe app to the new Rave Guardian app. This new app still provides all of the same features that our users have grown accustomed to, while providing seamless integration into our Orange Alert system. You will still be able to report tips anonymously to DPS, utilize the Safe Walk timer, have easy access to important campus safety resources and connect with DPS or 911 in the event of an emergency.

I encourage you to take the time to visit the Apple or Google Play store and download the app by searching for “Rave Guardian.” Later this month, we will send out a text message to the campus community with the link to download the app. To learn more about the new Rave Guardian App, visit the DPS website at dps.syr.edu.

COVID Reminders

As we work together to keep our community members safe during these extraordinary times, know that the team at DPS is collaborating with departments across campus to educate and enforce the University’s guidelines relating to COVID-19. Please keep the Stay Safe Pledge at the top of your mind and stay safe, stay healthy and do your part.

Monthly Bias Update

Since my last update, there have been no new developments on previous reports. As a reminder, future updates will be posted on the table that we have created on the DPS website.

To report a bias incident, please contact DPS directly 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 Rave Guardian app. Any bias-motivated incident reported to DPS will be posted on our public site, so that our campus community can remain informed. You can also report a bias incident and receive support through the STOP Bias website.

Sign up to subscribe to the bias incident reports.

I hope you find this information useful and valuable as an important member of our campus community. I look forward to sharing more with you over the coming months.

Sincerely,
Chief Bobby Maldonado

Department of Public Safety Transitions to New Safety App

As part of its ongoing commitment to campus safety, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is transitioning to Rave Guardian, a free mobile app that turns any smartphone into a personal safety device. Rave Guardian will replace the LiveSafe app, which will no longer be available to Syracuse University users beginning Friday, Feb. 26.

Rave Guardian offers all of the same features that users have grown accustomed to, including reporting tips, having a friend or family member watch them safely walk across campus, quickly connecting with DPS or 911 and important campus links and phone numbers.

To learn more, visit news.syr.edu.