On Friday, December 8, at approximately 9:52 p.m. DPS received a report of a robbery that occurred at 900 block of Comstock Ave. The Syracuse Police Department and the Department of Public Safety are on the scene and investigating this incident. We ask that you stay away from the area, at this time and that you call DPS at 315.443.2224, should you have information regarding this incident. More information to follow.
DPS News
Coin Ceremony for New Public Safety Officers
Just before the Thanksgiving holiday, our six new Public Safety Officers took part in a coin ceremony during their respective roll calls as a way to officially welcome them to the department.
These officers recently completed 14 weeks of academy training followed by another 14 weeks of field Officer training.
Field Officer training pairs each Officer trainee with a seasoned Officer, giving them practical experience and hands on training.
*indicates challenge coin recipient
Internal Affairs/Professional Standards Investigations 2016
For the 2016 calendar year, the Department of Public Safety conducted a total of seven (7) internal investigations.
Six (6) involved sworn personnel
One (1) involved non-sworn personnel
Of the seven (7) complaints investigated, 4 were sustained and 3 were unsubstantiated
As a result of these complaints, three (3) sworn employees were disciplined;
- One (1) received a letter of reprimand, suspension and last chance agreement
- One (1) received a letter of reprimand and suspension
- One (1) resigned prior to completion of IA investigation. Complaint was not criminal in nature.
- Non-sworn IA investigation (1) resulted in a written reprimand and retraining.
Three (3) complaints were unsubstantiated. However, during the course of the IA investigation unrelated deficiencies were discovered in two (2) cases and appropriate coaching was completed.
Review of the IA investigations revealed officers are still growing accustom to the BWC’s. Retraining has been has been completed at roll calls. And a plan to incorporate training during yearly In Service and at Firearm Qualifications has been prepared. There were no other trends, policy, or training issues discovered.
Public Safety Informational Notice: Suspicious Activity
On Monday, October 30, three students reported sightings of a male figure in a hooded sweatshirt in their DellPlain Hall rooms. The students reported that their rooms had been locked prior to the reported sightings. There were no signs of forced entry, nothing was stolen and there was no physical contact. At this time, the Department of Public Safety is investigating by:
- Working to verify these reports by reviewing video tape; and
- Talking with the students about their reported experiences.
This serves as an important reminder: If you see something, say something. Anyone who has information about this incident, please contact DPS at 315.443.2224.
Questions about this incident can be directed to Chief Bobby Maldonado at romaldon@syr.edu
Important Message from DPS Chief Bobby Maldonado
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
Syracuse University’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) takes the safety and security of our campus community very seriously. As part of our continuous efforts to educate the campus community on crime prevention and emergency preparedness, we encourage you to review our ‘Run. Hide. Fight.’ video.
The ‘Run. Hide. Fight.’ model is considered a best practice in crisis response, particularly in the event of an active shooter situation. Many organizations, including Syracuse University, subscribe to this model in response to any immediate threat.
Please take take a moment to familiarize yourself with the ‘Run. Hide. Fight.’ model:
RUN
• Have an escape route and plan in mind.
• Leave your belongings behind.
• Keep your hands visible.
• Call DPS or 911 or use the LiveSafe App when you are in a safer place.
HIDE
• If you can’t escape, hide in an area out of the shooter’s view, and behind something solid if possible.
• Block entry to your hiding place and lock the doors.
• Silence your cell phone and other devices.
FIGHT
• Fighting is a last resort to be used only when your life is in imminent danger.
• Attempt to incapacitate the active shooter.
• Find an object to use as a weapon, such as a fire extinguisher or chair.
• Work as a team with someone else if possible.
If you have any questions, DPS is here to assist. Please don’t hesitate to contact me or another member of the DPS team.
Sincerely,
Chief Bobby Maldonado
Department of Public Safety