The Department of Public Safety would like to inform the campus community that SUNY-ESF is currently responding to a swatting incident. We want to reassure everyone that there is no active shooter on campus, despite any reports you may have seen. Please be aware that you may notice an increased police presence, but rest assured, there is no ongoing threat. Thank you for your understanding.
DPS News
DPS Campus Peace Officer Academy Officially Underway
Seven new recruits were sworn into the Syracuse University Department of Public Safety (DPS) Campus Peace Officer Academy on March 20 by Syracuse Police Department Chief Joseph L. Cecile. Collaborating with the Syracuse Police Department on the swearing-in ceremony serves as an official welcome and endorsement of the joint law enforcement efforts in the University area, and to provide these campus peace officers with the authority to enforce New York State law and local ordinances upon completion of the academy.
The recruits sworn into this academy class are:
- Mariyah Byrd
- Matthew Calley
- Jesus Gorra
- Brennan Kreis
- Jonathan Pizarro
- Misty Stephens
The individuals listed above are training to become Syracuse University campus peace officers. One additional recruit, Megan Healey is joining this peace officer academy and will be heading to Onondaga Community College upon completion.
“Starting at the academy is where the foundation of a great officer is built. It’s not just about learning the law—it’s about discipline, integrity and commitment to serving the community. Every recruit who walks through these doors has the potential to make a real difference. We are excited for them to start this journey, “said Sgt. Adam Wheeler, academy director.
This is now the ninth time that the Department of Public Safety has held its own peace officer academy.
During the academy, these recruits will be subject to technical, physical, classroom and field-based tests. Upon successful completion of the academy, graduates progress to field training with their respective field training officers for an additional 12 to 14 weeks.
Craig Stone, associate vice president and chief of the Department of Public Safety, addressed the friends and families of the recruits. “We are excited to welcome new members to our team who will assist us in keeping the campus community safe. We expect these new recruits to become leaders in the university community and strive to become great listeners, communicators and collaborative problem-solvers.”
The University’s Department of Public Safety provides around-the-clock protection to the Syracuse University campus. Through various patrol and crime prevention efforts, DPS partners with students, faculty and staff to identify, recognize and eliminate crime hazards and risks within the campus community.
The Department of Public Safety’s 2025 campus peace officer recruits. (Front row, left to right: Jesus Gorra, Misty Stephens, Mariyah Byrd and Megan Healey; back row, left to right: Brennan Kreis, Jonathan Pizarro and Matthew Calley)
March 2025 Update From the Department of Public Safety
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
We have now reached the midpoint of the spring semester and next week, many of you will be departing campus to rest and recharge. We wish you a restful spring break and safe travels. We look forward to welcoming you back and finishing the semester off strong!
In today’s message, I will address the following topics:
- Omega Phi Beta Campus Walk
- DPS Social Media and Community Engagement Events
- Incoming Peace Officer Academy
- Scam Alert
- Preparing Residences for Spring Break
- Employee of the Month
Omega Phi Beta Campus Walk
On Monday, Feb. 24, students in the Omega Phi Beta sorority joined Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers for a Night Watch: Campus Safety Walk. The group started with a walk around the outside of the Quad, where they were shown blue lights and how they worked. From there the students were able to see inside the DPS office, including the Emergency Communication Center, which was a big hit! The group ended at the Hall of Languages for a presentation that highlighted the Orange Safe App, crime and safety tips and alcohol awareness.
Community Engagement Events and DPS Social Media
Our goal at DPS is to ensure all members of our community have a safe and secure learning, social and cultural environment. Did you know DPS offers crime prevention workshops? We can cover such topics as alcohol awareness, security vulnerability assessments, active shooter guidelines and others. Fill out this form today to get the conversation started.
In addition, I encourage you to follow us on social media to stay up to date on the activities we have planned. We are on Instagram, X, Facebook and LinkedIn. On top of that, you will be the first to know when we have upcoming events or important news to share. Speaking of important news, DPS is on the road to 20,000 Orange Safe App downloads. Help us get there and you might be eligible to win a special prize. Stay tuned to our social media for more information.
Incoming Peace Officer Academy
After months of recruitment, DPS is gearing up to welcome another group of peace officer recruits. This year we will be training individuals looking to join Syracuse University’s Department of Public Safety as well as Onondaga Community College Public Safety.
During the academy, these recruits will receive over 400 hours of classroom instruction, and 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.
Concert Ticket Scam Alert
With the warm weather right around the corner, concert season will start before we know it. We want to make you aware of a scam that is targeting our community. Scammers are using different apps to sell students false concert tickets using hacked accounts. Below are some tips on how to avoid these scams!
- The safest way to buy tickets is from the venue where the event is being staged.
- Using a search engine is tricky as many of these look-alike accounts show up near the top of the search results. Make sure you are on the real site.
- If you purchase from a third-party, make sure they are a reputable ticket vendor or reseller.
- If possible, use a credit card. You can dispute charges and have a better chance of getting your money back.
- Do online searches: Look for reviews, complaints or similar scams.
Have questions? Contact DPS at dpsadmin@syr.edu or ITS at help@syr.edu.
Preparing Residences for Spring Break
As many of you plan to depart campus for spring break, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you to take necessary action to protect your residence, office, cubicle spaces and belongings. Please review our recommended safety strategies about how to secure your spaces.
While many community members are heading elsewhere, some will remain around campus. 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.
Employees of the Month
I am pleased to announce that Residential Community Safety Officer (RCSO) Donald Plantz and Emergency Communication Center (ECC) Dispatchers Josh Lewis and Richard Curran were named February 2025 Employees of the Month. Congratulations all on a job well done.
As a reminder, it is never too late to come forward with information. 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 website.
Go Orange!
Chief Craig A. Stone
Department of Public Safety
Preparing Your Residence for Spring Break
As spring break approaches, many of you will depart campus over the next couple of days. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds you to take the following necessary steps to protect your residence and belongings before you leave.
For those who live on campus, please take the following steps to secure your space:
- Secure and lock all doors and windows.
- Close all curtains/blinds.
- Unplug all electrical items, except refrigerators.
- Do not give your keys out.
- Mark/engrave all items of value and keep a record, including serial numbers.
- Do not leave credit cards, checkbooks, cash, vehicle keys/fobs or other valuables readily accessible; these can be taken and used by a thief.
If you live off campus, please take the following steps:
- Make your residence appear occupied; consider buying a timer that automatically turns on interior and exterior lights at a predetermined time, or when there is motion.
- Use dusk-to-dawn light bulbs and/or make sure your outdoor lighting is working and sufficient; contact your landlord if it is not.
- Lock sliding glass doors and place a wooden dowel or metal bar in the track of the door.
- Take anything valuable home with you (e.g. laptop computer, video game console, jewelry, etc.).
- Do not leave any valuable items near windows. Take pictures of anything valuable and ensure that you have installed tracking software and documented the serial numbers of all electronic devices.
- Unplug all electrical items, except your refrigerator and timers.
- If you have a security alarm, make sure you turn it on when leaving.
If you see anything suspicious, for on campus, please call DPS at 315.443.2224 or use the Orange Safe app or for off campus, call the Syracuse Police Department at 315.442.5111.
While many members of our community will be traveling during the break, others will remain on campus or in Syracuse. As a reminder, the Department of Public Safety is always working and available to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you observe anything concerning.
As always, our recommended safety strategies can be found on our website.
Wishing you all safe travels and a restful spring break.
Public Safety Notice: Armed Robbery on Van Buren Street
The Department of Public Safety and the Syracuse Police Department are investigating the report of an armed robbery complaint that occurred last night, Tuesday, February 25, at around 11:30 p.m. It happened on Van Buren Street near the BBB complex.
A Syracuse University student reported walking on Van Buren when an unknown male approached him, displayed a gun and demanded the student hand over their iPhone and Airpods. The student complied and the suspect fled on foot away from campus.
The suspect is described as an adult male with long hair wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, light colored jeans and Nike sneakers.
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 or the Orange Safe app.
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.