Michael Bunker has officially started his new role as associate vice president and chief of Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services. With a strong background in public safety leadership and a passion for community engagement, Bunker brings a clear vision for how to continue fostering a safe, inclusive and responsive campus environment.
To learn more about Chief Bunker, check out news.syr.edu.
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is thrilled to announce that it has achieved accreditation from the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), the leading authority for campus public safety. Fewer than 100 agencies have earned this distinctive recognition.
IACLEA Accreditation signifies an agency’s ongoing commitment to excellence and state-of-the-art performance in every aspect of its operations. The standards guide the recruitment, selection, training and professional development of agency personnel and overall agency operations. In order to receive the accreditation, DPS had to demonstrate to outside, impartial experts its compliance with national best-practice standards in the profession.
Read more about the accreditation on news.syr.edu.
The 47th Annual Mountain Goat Run will take place Sunday, May 4. More than 2,500 runners are expected to take part in the race, which will affect traffic and roads in the city throughout the day. The 10-mile course traverses a large section of the City of Syracuse, including roads on campus and around the University area.
To learn more, visit news.syr.edu.
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:
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
Our priority is our community’s safety. You can help keep yourself and those around you safe by employing these tried and true strategies:
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.
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.
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
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:
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)
