DPS Monthly Updates

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

April is a busy and meaningful time on the Syracuse University campus. As the semester approaches its final stretch, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) wants to make sure our community has the tools, resources and awareness to finish the year strong—safely. We encourage you to review the important information below.

This monthly update includes:
• DeStress With DPS
• Distracted Driving Awareness Month
• Sexual Assault Awareness Month
• Finish Strong, Stay Safe: Finals Tips

DeStress With DPS

Finals season can be stressful—and DPS wants to help you take a breather. Join us for DeStress with DPS on Tuesday, April 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Bird Library. Our table will be located on the ground level near the Waverly Street entrance. Stop by between study sessions to grab snacks, spend time with therapy dogs and chat with members of our team.

We’re not just here for emergencies—we’re part of this community. We hope to see you there!

Follow us on social media (@SyracuseDPS) for updates and reminders.

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. With warmer weather bringing more pedestrian and bike traffic near campus, the risks of distracted driving are especially real in our community.

Tips for Drivers

• Put your phone down. No text, call or notification is worth a life.
• Yield for pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections.
• Watch carefully before making right turns and turns at green lights—a pedestrian or cyclist may be in your path.
• Slow down around campus and obey posted speed limits.

Tips for Pedestrians and Cyclists

• Cross only at marked crosswalks and wait for the walk signal.
• Avoid looking at your phone while crossing the street.
• Make eye contact with drivers so you know they see you.
• Wear a helmet when cycling and obey all traffic signals.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. DPS is committed to supporting a safe and supportive campus environment for all members of our community. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual or relationship violence, you don’t have to navigate it alone—resources are here for you.

• Barnes Center at The Arch: 315.443.8000
• Student Title IX Case Management: 242 Marley Education Center
• DPS: 315.443.2224 (available 24/7)
• For more information and resources, visit sexualrelationshipviolence.syr.edu.

Finish Strong, Stay Safe: Finals Tips

With late-night study sessions in full swing at the libraries, academic buildings and off campus, here are a few reminders to help you wrap up the semester safely.

Getting Around at Night

• Stay aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone after dark when possible.
• Stick to well-lit routes and remove headphones so you can hear what’s around you.
• Use the Orange Safe App’s Safe Walk feature or the free Safety Escort Shuttle (parking.syr.edu).

Protect Your Belongings

• Never leave your laptop, phone or backpack unattended in a public space, even briefly.
• Lock your room every time you leave—even just to step down the hall.
• Track deliveries and retrieve packages promptly, as package theft increases at end of semester.

Look Out for One Another

• Finals stress is real; check in on friends and classmates.
• If something seems off, trust your instincts and contact DPS at 315.443.2224.

We Are Here to Help

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 website.

Sincerely,
Chief Mike Bunker
Department of Public Safety

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff: 

As we settle into the new year and navigate the rest of winter, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) remains committed to partnering with each of you to keep our campus community safe. We encourage you to review the important information below.

This monthly update includes:

• Winter Weather Safety Reminders
• Package Theft Prevention
• Campus Safety Resources
• Spring Semester Safety Tips

Winter Weather Safety Reminders

Central New York winters can be unpredictable. Snow, ice and freezing temperatures can last through February and March. Whether you’re walking between classes, commuting to campus or running errands, you need to be extra careful during winter.

Walking on Campus:

• Wear appropriate footwear with soles offering good traction to prevent slips and falls on icy sidewalks.
• Use designated walkways and avoid shortcuts across snow-covered areas where ice may be hidden.
• Be aware that it may be difficult to see ice on asphalt surfaces.
• Allow extra time to reach your destination; rushing on slippery surfaces increases your risk of injury.

Driving in Winter Weather: 

• Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle before driving, including windows, mirrors, lights and the roof.
• Reduce your speed and increase following distance in snowy or icy conditions.
• Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with items like a blanket, flashlight, phone charger and snacks.
• If conditions become unsafe while driving, find a safe place to pull over and wait for conditions to improve.

Dress for the Weather: 

• Layer your clothing and wear a warm coat, hat and gloves when heading outdoors.
• Be aware of frostbite and hypothermia risks during prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.

Package Theft Prevention

Online shopping and package deliveries continue year-round, making package theft an ongoing concern. Protect your deliveries with these simple steps: 

Prevent Package Theft: 

• Track your packages and plan to be home when they arrive or arrange for pickup at a secure location.
• Request signature confirmation for valuable items.
• Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect packages if you’ll be away.
• Consider having packages delivered to a package locker if available.
• If you live off-campus, bring packages inside immediately upon delivery.

For On-Campus Residents:

• Retrieve packages from your residence hall mail room promptly after receiving notification.
• Never leave packages unattended in common areas or hallways.

If a package is stolen, report it immediately to DPS at 315.443.2224 and provide as much information as possible.

Important Campus Safety Resources 

We want to remind you of the campus safety resources available to you:

Orange Safe App

Connect directly to DPS with the push of a button, use Mobile Blue Light to share your location and access the Safe Walk feature. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play store.

Emergency Contact

For emergencies, call DPS at 315.443.2224 or use one of the Blue Light emergency phones located throughout campus.

Campus Safety Information

Visit dps.syr.edu for comprehensive safety information, tips and resources. 

Anonymous Reporting

Use the Silent Witness tool to submit information anonymously about suspicious activity.

Spring Semester Safety Tips

As we move through the spring semester, remember to stay aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Use the Orange Safe app’s Safe Walk feature or request a safety escort shuttle. Keep your residence, vehicle and belongings secure by locking doors and windows and never leave valuables visible in your car.

DPS is here 24/7 to serve the Syracuse University community. If you see something concerning or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

We Are Here to Help 

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 receive support, visit the STOP Bias website.

Sincerely,

Chief Mike Bunker
Department of Public Safety

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

As we approach Thanksgiving break later this month and the end of the fall semester on Dec. 16, our campus remains a vibrant hub of academic and extracurricular activity. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is here to help keep our community safe during this busy time.

This monthly update includes:

·         Protect Your Vehicle and Belongings

·         DPS Community Engagement

·         Preparing Your On-Campus or Off-Campus Residence for Thanksgiving Break

Protect Your Vehicle and Belongings

Vehicle break-ins are often preventable. Thieves target unlocked cars and vehicles with visible valuables. Don’t make yours an easy target.

Two simple steps to protect your property:

1.   LOCK YOUR DOORS. Every time. Even if you’re only stepping away for a minute. An unlocked car is an open invitation.

2.   HIDE YOUR VALUABLES. Bags, backpacks, electronics, wallets, gym equipment and even loose change can attract thieves. If they can see it, they’ll break in for it.

Additional tips:

·         Never leave keys in your vehicle and never leave your vehicle running but unattended.

·         Put items in the trunk before arriving at your destination.

·         Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas when possible.

These actions take seconds but can save you from the hassle, expense and violation of a vehicle break-in.

Report incidents immediately: If your vehicle is broken into or something is stolen, contact DPS at 315.443.2224.

DPS Community Engagement

The DPS team is always looking for opportunities to connect with our campus community.

Community Police Academy Graduation

Congratulations to our University community members who completed our seventh Community Police Academy! This free four-week program is designed to give community members an idea of what it is like to be a member of the DPS team. This was our largest graduating class to date.

We are hard at work preparing our next Community Police Academy slated for the Spring 2026 semester. More information will be shared in the upcoming months!

R.A.D. graduation

We are proud to celebrate the latest graduates of our Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) program.

R.A.D. is a nationally known self-defense program that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, and progresses to the basics of hands-on defense training. You can learn more about R.A.D. on our website.

Follow us on social media to see upcoming community events, safety programs and engagement opportunities.

Preparing Residences for Thanksgiving Break

As many of you plan to depart campus for Thanksgiving break, we remind you to take action to protect your residences, offices, cubicle spaces and belongings. Please review our recommended safety strategies to secure your spaces.

While many members of our community will be heading elsewhere, some will remain on or around campus. As a reminder, DPS is always working, patrolling and available to you. Please do not hesitate to contact us at 315.443.2224 if you observe anything concerning.

We Are Here to Help

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 website.

Sincerely,

Chief Mike Bunker
Department of Public Safety

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

Fall has arrived on the Syracuse University campus and the Department of Public Safety (DPS) remains committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment for everyone. We encourage you to review the information below.

This monthly update includes:

• Community Engagement
• Orange Safe App Reminders
• Meet Our Investigations Team
• Domestic Violence Awareness

DPS Community Engagement

The DPS team is always looking for opportunities to connect with our campus community.

Coffee With a Cop

We changed the date to make sure all students, faculty and staff can attend our Coffee With a Cop event! As you head to class or work on Tuesday, Oct. 21, from 9 to 11 a.m., stop by Sims Hall to meet our team.

Our tent will be set up outside Sims Hall by the College Place bus stop with:

• Coffee, hot chocolate and tea station
• Sweet treats
• A chance to chat with DPS officers

Follow us on social media to see upcoming community events, safety programs and engagement opportunities.

Orange Safe App Reminder

The Orange Safe app is a free safety tool available to all Syracuse University students, faculty and staff. It provides direct access to emergency services, campus safety resources and real-time support. If you haven’t downloaded the app yet, now is the perfect time to add this essential resource to your phone.

With Orange Safe, you can connect directly to DPS with the push of a button, use the Mobile BlueLight feature to share your real-time location with our Emergency Communications Center and access the Safe Walk feature to let friends monitor your journey to your destination. The app also allows you to submit anonymous tips about suspicious activity and receive push notifications during campus emergencies—even without cellular service when connected to Wi-Fi.

Download Orange Safe today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Questions about the app? Visit dps.syr.edu.

Meet Our Investigations Team

Many may not know that DPS has a dedicated Investigations Unit comprised of a lieutenant, four detectives and a crime analyst who bring diverse professional backgrounds in municipal law enforcement, patrol leadership, victim advocacy and state agency investigations to their work serving the Syracuse University community.

The unit conducts comprehensive investigations into criminal and non-criminal matters by interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, reviewing Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage and coordinating with local partners and our Student Experience division colleagues in Community Standards. The team maintains active partnerships with the Syracuse Police Department, Central New York Crime Analysis Center, FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and Onondaga County Threat Assessment Management Team to enhance campus safety through intelligence sharing and case collaboration.

Beyond investigations, the unit provides security support for special campus events and works closely with the Barnes Center, Title IX, Student Living and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program managers. Investigators also provide individualized safety planning for students and families affected by major incidents, assist other law enforcement agencies with background investigations, offer fingerprinting services and participate in community crime prevention meetings with Greek Life organizations.

Unit members also help deliver Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) instruction, support the Peace Officer Academy and Community Police Academy, and lead the Women in Law Enforcement Peer Mentor Chapter, supporting professional development and community safety education across campus.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic violence affects many in our campus community. More than one in three college students in abusive relationships report digital abuse or stalking, including constant texts, location tracking or social media monitoring.

Recognize the Red Flags:

• Constant monitoring and control, such as demanding location sharing or account passwords
• Boundary violations and ignoring consent
• Threats to expose intimate photos or using self-harm threats to prevent you from leaving
• Isolation from friends, family or campus resources

What You Can Do:

• Trust your instincts – If something feels off, it likely is. Controlling or threatening behavior is never a sign of care.
• Protect your technology – Limit location sharing, use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
• Document incidents – Save texts, screenshots and voicemails in a secure location.
• Reach out for support – Talk to a trusted friend, staff in Student Title IX Case Management (located at 242 Marley Education Center), the Dean of Students (located at 111 Waverly, suite 211), a Barnes Center counselor or contact DPS. You don’t have to face this alone.

If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship violence, help is available. Contact the Barnes Center at The Arch at 315.443.8000 or DPS at 315.443.2224. For immediate assistance, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.7233.

On Monday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m., Detective Jessica Zaccari will take part in a panel discussion exploring what it means to date, desire and navigate relationships in a digital world. You can learn more about the event, hosted by the Barnes Center, on the University Events Calendar.

We Are Here to Help

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 website.

Sincerely,

Chief Mike Bunker
Department of Public Safety