DPS News

Traveling for Spring Break

Before you leave:

  • Check the Department of State’s travel advisories and warnings before you choose your destination.
  • Research and know the local laws.
  • Pack your health insurance card!
  • Plan to travel with friends. It’s best to travel in groups of three or more.
  • Discuss your plans and itenerary with your roommates and your family.
  • Discuss plans, itineraries and activities with your travel mates.
  • Look into the services provided by International SOS
  • Make sure you have sufficient lighting around all of your doors, especially those not visible from the street. Buy a motion-sensitive light or a timer that automatically turns on exterior lights at a predetermined time.

Tips for International Travel:

  • Keep the number for SU Public Safety 24/7 Assistance: (011-1-)315-443-2224
  • Learn the local area’s emergency response call number (e.g. 911 in the US)
  • Check your destination’s U.S. Embassy Web site for posted warnings and research your destination
  • Sign your passport and complete the emergency information page
  • Copy your passport twice using a copy machine. Stash one copy in your suitcase, and leave the other with your roommates or your family at home.
  • Research and know local laws
  • Know the general perceptions of Americans in the area
  • Research and know legitimate local transportation procedures
  • Copy traveler’s checks or pre-loaded VISA/AMX gift type cards. Avoid using ATMs.
  • Consider renting an international cellular phone instead of using your own phone. US-based “smart phones” are often hacked for bank and other personal information if lost abroad.
  • Other international travel safety contact numbers:
    • National Crime Victim Center: (011-1-) 800-FYI-CALL
    • Overseas U.S. Citizen Services: (011-1-) 888-407-4747
    • Sexual Assault Hotline: (011-1-) 800-656-HOPE
    • U.S. Victim Assistance: (011-1-) 800-TRY-NOVA

When you leave for breaks:

  • Always, always, ALWAYS lock your door. Before leaving for break, double- and triple-check your doors and windows. Place a wooden or metal bar in the track of sliding doors.
  • Don’t hide spare keys outside.
  • Keep your valuables out of sight. Don’t leave a game console or laptop lying around in full view of the windows or doors.
  • Make sure all of your windows are secure and have curtains on them.
  • If your neighbor is staying in the area while you’re away, arrange to have them watch over the house from time to time.

When you’re on vacation:

  • Never leave a friend with a stranger or group of people you don’t know.
  • Follow the local laws you brushed up on before leaving home.
  • Carry your health insurance card with you.
  • Avoid using ATM’s whenever possible
  • Do not carry large amounts of cash with you.
  • NEVER leave your valuables unattended, even at the beach. Use lockers if available!
  • Always travel in groups of three or more, and don’t let members of your group go off alone.

Orange Alert Test

Syracuse University will conduct a test of the Orange Alert Campus Crisis Alert Notification System on Friday, Feb. 16, at 9 a.m. It will be a full test of the personal e-mail, text message, cell voice and campus phone components of the system. The test will also include the Orange Alert outdoor siren system on SU’s North and South campuses. As a further refinement of the system, the Orange Alert test message will also be sent to the main SU Facebook and Twitter accounts, and will display on the University’s homepage and video monitors located in common areas in several buildings around campus.

The Orange Alert message will be sent to all SU students, faculty and staff, SUNY-ESF students and to SUNY-ESF faculty and staff who have signed up. Orange Alert will send a notice to all devices that are registered on the system. The sirens will be activated for a single 10-second blast at 9 a.m.

In order to review and/or modify your Orange Alert contact information, go to MySlice. Login using your personal NetID and password. Refer to the “ORANGE ALERT” link. Then review/modify your information and save any changes. For changes to be in effect for the Feb. 16 test, they must be completed by noon on Feb. 15.

For additional information on the ORANGE ALERT system, visit https://dps.syr.edu/public-information/orange-alert/.

Questions? Contact OrangeAlert@syr.edu.

Public Safety Update: Reported Robberies

On Sunday, January 28, 2018, two Syracuse University students and an ESF student reported being approached by two mask-wearing males. The three separate incidents reported occurred in the 100 block of Ostrom Avenue, the 300 block of Roosevelt Avenue, and the 300 block of Meadowbrook Drive, respectively.

At approximately 7:10 p.m., the suspects reportedly stole a student’s wallet, its contents and cash in the 100 block of Ostrom Avenue. At approximately 8:10 p.m., the suspects attempted to steal property from an ESF student in the 300 block of Roosevelt Avenue. No property was stolen. At approximately 8:20 p.m., the suspects reportedly stole a student’s iPhone in the 300 block of Meadowbrook Drive before returning to their vehicle. The vehicle then fled the scene in an unknown direction. No injuries were reported by the three students.

If you were in the vicinity at the time of these incidents, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) asks for your help in identifying the suspects. Suspect #1 is described as male, 5’10”, medium build, in his 20’s, last seen wearing a dark jacket, dark jeans, dark colored ski mask. Suspect #2 is described as a male, 6’2”, heavy set, longer hair, in his 20’s, last seen wearing a red or brown colored jacket, brown cargo pants, dark colored ski mask and in possession of a silver handgun. The vehicle was a grey or silver colored SUV. Last direction of travel from the 300 block of Meadowbrook Drive is unknown at this time.

If anyone has 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.

Keep yourself safe by reviewing these suggested safety strategies.

This public safety information is issued for your safety in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Act.

Public Safety Notice: Robbery

On Sunday, January 28th, 2018 between approximately 8:00 p.m. to 8:20 pm, DPS received reports of two additional robberies that occurred at the 300 block of Roosevelt Avenue and Buckingham Avenue and Meadowbrook Drive. The Syracuse Police Department, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Public Safety are on the scene and investigating these incidents. We ask that you stay away from these areas and indoors if possible, at this time. Please call DPS at 315.443.2224, should you have information regarding these incidents. More information to follow.

On Sunday, January 28th, 2018 at approximately 7:10 p.m., DPS received a report of a robbery that occurred at the 100 block of Ostrom 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.