News

Story by Alexa Selter, a senior in the Newhouse School of Public Communications and a communications and marketing assistant with the Department of Public Safety

With the holiday season upon us, many at Syracuse University, like students, faculty and staff, are planning to look for deals online and in stores. While the excitement of finding a great sale can be fun, this time of year also brings an increase in scams targeting consumers nationwide.

The Department of Public Safety encourages everyone to stay alert when shopping, particularly online, to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), scammers often create fake shopping sites or social media ads that imitate real retailers, using stolen logos and deep-discount pricing to lure buyers into sharing payment information.

On the Syracuse University DPS Website, the Scam Alert Guide highlights common warning signs, including suspicious purchase requests and phishing links. It also provides practical steps to help community members identify and report scams before they spread. The resource explains how to verify legitimate messages, protect personal data, and safely respond to unexpected contact.

In addition, in the Orange Safe App, under Support Resources, there is a section on preventing scams. This free resource gives you tips and tools to help you avoid falling victim to scams. Besides fake websites, DPS urges people to look out for phishing emails and texts that seem to come from delivery firms or banks. These messages often have links to fake tracking pages or ask you to check your payment details.

If You Think You’ve Been Targeted

If you receive a suspicious message, encounter a questionable website, or believe your personal information has been compromised, report it immediately through the Orange Safe app or by calling 315-443-2224.

A Final Reminder

The holidays should be about celebrating, hanging out with friends and family, and giving, — not stressing over getting scammed. Just taking a little extra time to be aware before you click or buy things can really help keep your money, privacy, and sanity safe.

From all of us at the Department of Public Safety, stay safe, stay smart, and enjoy the season responsibly.

Sixteen (16) community members graduated from Syracuse University Department of Public Safety (DPS) Community Police Academy (CPA) on October 15, completing an intensive program that offered an inside look at campus public safety operations and built stronger connections between DPS and the community.

“Our community members, faculty, staff, and students have all shown great interest in law enforcement practices,” said Officer George Wazen, CPA Coordinator. “Our curriculum focuses on hands-on, interactive activities that provide a deeper understanding of how our officers train and the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis. We look forward to welcoming more participants and receiving additional applications in the future.”

The multi-week academy provided participants with hands-on experience across every facet of public safety. Graduates toured the Emergency Communications Center (ECC), where campus emergencies are managed and coordinated 24/7. They witnessed a dynamic K9 demonstration showcasing the specialized skills of the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office canine units and learned critical fire safety practices, including smoke detector maintenance and usage, with Fire and Life Safety Services.

Partnering with the Syracuse Police Department, participants gained insight into crime scene management and processing techniques. The training also covered investigative procedures, defense tactics, and real-world scenario exercises that gave graduates a realistic understanding of the challenges public safety officers face daily.

Life-saving skills formed a crucial component of the curriculum. Graduates completed “Stop the Bleed” and CPR training through Syracuse University Ambulance (SUA), equipping them with the knowledge to respond effectively in medical emergencies. The academy concluded with building search exercises, providing firsthand experience in tactical operations.

“The Community Police Academy helps build trust and understanding between our department and the campus community,” said Chief of Campus Safety Michael Bunker.

The Community Police Academy strengthens the partnership between DPS and the Syracuse University community by fostering understanding and collaboration in campus safety operations. Graduates leave the program as informed ambassadors who can share their knowledge with fellow students, faculty, and staff.

For more information about the Community Police Academy, visit dps.syr.edu.

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.

In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, Syracuse University’s Department of Public Safety partnered with House of Psalms 23, Inc., a local nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women break the cycle of poverty, abuse, and incarceration.

Our Women in Law Enforcement Peer Mentor Group hosted a tabletop discussion with House of Psalms 23 to explore the intersection of campus safety and community support for domestic violence survivors. The group also organized a donation drive throughout October to support the organization and the women they serve.

Detective Jessica Zaccari, who leads the Women in Law Enforcement Peer Mentor Group, said, “”When women come together, we have an innate ability to connect and become a united force that drives change. We’re so grateful to House of Psalms 23 for opening their doors and creating space for those meaningful connections. The work they do fills vital gaps for women impacted by poverty, abuse, and incarceration. I have full confidence that the women we met will continue achieving their dreams.”

“Our ladies were truly inspired by your willingness to engage, educate, and share real conversations about the intersection of DV and policing—breaking myths, building understanding, and promoting healing through awareness,” said representatives from House of Psalms 23.

“This event shows the value of creating opportunities for authentic dialogue between law enforcement and the community,” added Detective Zaccari. “These genuine, personal conversations strengthen relationships and build trust in ways that complement our broader community engagement efforts.”

Recognize the Red Flags

Understanding the warning signs of an abusive relationship is the first step toward getting help:

• 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.

Get Help, Give Hope

If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship violence, help is available:

• Barnes Center at The Arch: 315.443.8000
• Syracuse University DPS: 315.443.2224
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1.800.799.7233 (24/7 support)

Together, we can create a safer campus and community for everyone.

On Tuesday, October 21, the Syracuse University community gathered for Coffee with a Cop, an event hosted by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) that encouraged students, faculty, and staff to stop by for a cup of coffee and casual conversation. The event, held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. outside of Sims Hall, provided an opportunity for campus community members to meet DPS officers in a relaxed setting, where they were approachable, open to conversation, and eager to answer questions and strengthen relationships.

“Many times people just see us as a car,” John Stephens, Administrative Sergeant, said. “They do not always get the chance to realize that we are part of this community too — parents, neighbors, people who care about the same students walking these halls.”

For many officers, the event was a reminder that meaningful safety work often starts with a simple conversation. Officers greeted students, answered questions about campus safety, and shared stories about their experiences working with the Syracuse community.

“I am not just a cop — I am a father, and I care a lot about this community,” Sergeant Stephens explained. “My wife works here too, so these events help us build real connections with students.”

The goal of Coffee with a Cop is to provide a space where students can meet officers outside of emergencies, ask questions, and get to know the people behind the uniforms. The relaxed setting allows for natural conversations that help break down barriers and build trust.

“When there is a critical situation, we want students to feel that they can trust us,” Property and Evidence Custodian Officer Matthew Zingaro said. “That relationship means we can work together to solve whatever is going on.”

Officers emphasized that their work goes far beyond enforcement. Much of what they do involves supporting students in day-to-day situations, from jump-starting a car to helping someone in crisis.

“Out of all the interactions I have, arresting someone is one one-hundredth of what we do,” Sergeant Stephens said. “If someone needs help or just someone to talk to, that is what we are here for.”

As conversations continued throughout the morning, it was clear that the event helped bridge understanding between DPS and the campus community. Some students even shared their own experiences or asked about career paths in law enforcement.

“Sometimes I will just stop and talk with students,” Officer Zingaro said with a smile. “You might have something on your mind — we are here for that too. It does not always have to be serious.”

The officers also reflected on how much the department has evolved over the years, focusing more on communication, outreach, and relationship-building.

“When I first started, public safety felt different,” Officer Zingaro said. “Now, we have more outreach, more communication. It helps us understand the students better, and they understand us better too.”

As the event wrapped up, DPS officers encouraged students to continue the conversation, whether that is stopping by during future outreach events, saying hello on campus, or reaching out through the Orange Safe app.

“We are public safety,” Sergeant Stephens said. “We are a service agency. We are here 24/7. Call us if you need us — we will do whatever we can to help.”