DPS News

Public Safety Informational Notice

On Monday, February 11, at 6:15 p.m., it was reported that an unknown male was found in the office of a faculty member at the Whitman School of Management. When observed, the male quickly left the area without incident. Besides the fact that this individual was trespassing on University property, no other crime was reported, at this time.

The male is described as 5’7” to 5’9”, thin build, 17 to 20 years of age, dressed in a puffy black coat, gray sweatshirt and sweatpants and was last seen leaving the west entrance of the building, toward University Avenue.

DPS detectives are actively investigating this incident. If you have information about this incident please contact the Department of Public Safety at 315.443.2224.

As a reminder, please keep in mind these safety strategies:

  • Always lock your windows and doors, even if you are only going to be away from your room or office for a short period of time.
  • Keep your personal belongings with you! Never leave cell phones, laptops, wallets or other valuables behind—it only takes a few seconds for someone to walk away with them.
  • If you see something suspicious, please report it to the Department of Public Safety.

Statement from Syracuse University’s Department of Public Safety Chief Bobby Maldonado

Syracuse University is steadfast in its commitment to provide a safe campus environment for our students, faculty, staff and visitors. We will continue to take strong measures to protect all members of our campus community. Acts of violence and intolerance of any kind, including those based on race, contradicts our values and will not be tolerated.

On Saturday, Feb. 9, our Department of Public Safety notified the campus community about a crime that occurred on Ackerman Avenue. The information provided in the public safety notice was, at the time, the most current account of the events. Because the incident occurred off campus, the City of Syracuse Police Department (SPD) is leading the investigation, which continues at this time. Our Department of Public Safety is working closely with SPD to apprehend those responsible for this crime and to prevent future occurrences. We are in frequent communication with the SPD and will provide updates to our campus community when they are available. Not all details can be released at this time because they may compromise the ongoing investigation.

When serious crimes occur on or nearby campus, we use public safety notices as a tool for communicating to our campus community, particularly if there is an active crime scene. The information in the public safety notice includes a brief and the most current description of the crime and the perpetrator as described by the victim or witnesses. Syracuse University does not identify a perpetrator’s race in these alerts in deference to previously expressed community concerns about racial profiling. We are constantly evaluating our practices and welcome input from our students, faculty and staff.

Public Safety Update: Assault

On Saturday, February 9, 2019, at approximately 12:40 a.m., three students reported being approached by an unknown female in the 800 block of Ackerman Avenue. The students say the female displayed what appeared to be a silver handgun and struck the students with the gun. The suspect fled the scene on foot, heading north on Ackerman Avenue towards Euclid Avenue. All three students sustained minor injuries and declined medical treatment.

If you were in the vicinity at the time of this incident, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) asks for your help in identifying the suspect. Female, early 20s, brown shoulder length hair, wearing a gray jacket and dark pants. No further description was provided.

If you have any information regarding this incident or others, 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.

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.

Public Safety Notice: Assault

On Saturday, February 9, 2019 at approximately 12:40 a.m., DPS received a report of an assault that occurred at the 800 block of Ackerman Avenue. A handgun was possibly displayed. 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.

What is Orange Alert?

Orange Alert is Syracuse University’s crisis notification system. Watch this short video to learn more.

For more information, including frequently asked questions, visit the Orange Alert page on our website.