DPS News

Public Safety Update

The area surrounding the Warehouse—located at the intersection of East Fayette Street and South West Street in Downtown Syracuse—has been cleared by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Syracuse Police Department (SPD). Students, faculty, and staff may now resume normal activities.

Please note that an active investigation is still ongoing. As you leave the building, continue to follow any instructions from law enforcement personnel.

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.

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.

Police Activity Near Warehouse Downton

The Department of Public Safety is notifying the community that the Syracuse Police Department is currently responding to a reported shooting near the Warehouse, located at the intersection of West Fayette and South State Street in Downtown Syracuse. No affiliates are believed to be involved.

Both the Department of Public Safety and the Syracuse Police Department are on the scene actively investigating the incident. We ask that you please avoid the area until further notice and if you are currently in the Warehouse, you are advised to stay inside.

If you have any information related to this event, contact DPS at 315.443.2224. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Internal Affairs/Professional Standards Investigations 2024

For the 2024 calendar year, the Department of Public Safety, (DPS) conducted a total of two (2) internal investigations.

Two (2) involved non-sworn personnel.

Of the two (2) complaints, one (1) was unfounded and resulted in no discipline for the non-sworn member. However, it provided DPS the opportunity for timely roll call training and one (1) was founded and mandated counseling and de-escalation training for the non-sworn member named in the complaint.

Additionally, the Department of Public Safety investigated one (1) Quality of Service complaint directed towards a sworn member. The complaint was determined to be unfounded after a thorough investigation led by the first line supervisor. The incident provided an opportunity for informal training that was conducted at the direction of the command staff of DPS.

The DPS shared one (1) Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) with the CRB for their review during the evaluation period. The SOP was:

Non-Sworn Personnel Training (2024-1)

Internal Affairs/Professional Standards Investigations 2023

For the 2023 calendar year, the Department of Public Safety, (DPS) conducted a total of three (3) internal investigations.

Two (2) involved sworn personnel. Both complaints investigated were founded and resulted in discipline to the employee’s identified. One (1) resulted in the suspension of a sworn member and one (1) in a verbal coaching session of a sworn member. 

One (1) involved a non-sworn personnel. The complaint was founded and resulted in the termination of a non-sworn member.

Additionally, the DPS investigated two (2) Quality of Service complaints. These both identified sworn members of DPS and both were investigated by the appropriate first line supervisor and both were deemed unfounded.

Review of the IA investigations revealed no discernible trends in performance amongst sworn and non-sworn personnel. Retraining has been completed at roll calls. A plan to incorporate training during yearly In Service training has been prepared.

The DPS shared five (5) SOP’s with the CRB for their review during this evaluation period. Those were:

  • BWC Policy (2015-2)
  • Recruitment Policy (2014-7)
  • Criminal Investigations (2011-13)
  • Career Development (2023-5)
  • Non-Sworn Training (2024-X)

April 2025 Update From the Department of Public Safety

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

As we enter the final month of classes and with final exams and end-of-year celebrations just around the corner, I want to thank our campus community for your continued support in helping the Department of Public Safety (DPS) ensure a safe and respectful campus.

In today’s message, I will address the following topics:

  • Community Engagement Events
  • Free Resources for You
  • Safety Reminders
  • Campus Peace Officer Academy
  • Employee of the Month

Community Engagement Events 

Safety Stations 

We invite you to visit with representatives from DPS, Title IX, Student Living and Community Standards outside of Lyons Hall, 401 Euclid Ave., on Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, from 9 to 11:30 p.m. We will provide snacks, remind students of important safety tips and answer any questions you may have. Stop by and say hello to those stationed at the table! 

Earth Day Cleanup 

In celebration of Earth Day later this month, DPS is partnering with Fraternity and Sorority Affairs to organize a neighborhood cleanup for the third consecutive year. We look forwarding to teaming up with students to help make a positive difference for our campus community and neighbors.

DeStress With DPS

Join us on Tuesday, April 29, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Bird Library. Take a break from studying to grab some snacks, interact with our team and spend time with therapy dogs! 

Be sure to mark your calendar and follow us on social media for more information: @SyracuseDPS.

Free Resources for You! 

Here at Syracuse University, we have two FREE apps that can help you in your day-to-day life: OrangeNow and Orange Safe. Both apps are available for Apple and Android users.

OrangeNow 

Stay ahead of your day with OrangeNow. The app is a great way to help you navigate your class schedule, catch up on campus news, find dining options or check real-time bus arrivals!

Orange Safe 

The Orange Safe app provides tools designed to keep you safe! With the push of a button, you can communicate with DPS or 9-1-1 or use the chat feature to talk to our team of dispatchers. Some other helpful resources are the mobile blue light, safe walk, social escape, information on preventing scams and other emergency resources.

DPS is on the road to 20,000 Orange Safe downloads. Help us get there and you might be eligible to win a special prize! Stay tuned to our social media for more information!

Important Safety Reminders 

Our priority is our community’s safety. You can help keep yourself and those around you safe by employing these tried and true strategies:

  • When possible, move around campus in groups of three or more, especially after dark. And be sure to always pay attention to your surroundings!
  • Always lock your windows and doors for your residence, office and vehicle. Don’t leave valuable items where they can easily be viewed.
  • Follow the rules of the road when crossing the street or bicycling/skateboarding on and near campus.
  • Use a U-bolt locking device for your bicycle and make sure to register your bike with DPS.

More safety strategies can be found on our website. As a reminder, the Department of Public Safety is always working and available to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 315.443.2224 if you observe anything concerning.

Campus Peace Officer Academy 

Six new recruits were sworn into the DPS Campus Peace Officer Academy on March 20. Mariyah Byrd, Matthew Calley, Jesus Gorra, Brennan Kreis and Misty Stephens are training to become Syracuse University campus peace officers. Additionally, Megan Healey will join this peace officer academy and head to Onondaga Community College upon completion.

During the academy, recruits will receive over 400 hours of classroom instruction and undergo physical fitness and field-based tests required by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. Upon successful completion of the academy, graduates progress to field training with their respective field training officers for an additional 12 to 14 weeks. 

Employee of the Month 

I am pleased to announce that Officer Gregory Scheurer has been named March 2025 Employee of the Month. Congratulations on a job well done.

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 and Hate website.

Go Orange!

Chief Craig A. Stone
Department of Public Safety