Public Safety Notices 2019

The Syracuse Police Department (SPD) is investigating a suspicious communication directed to a Syracuse University student organization that SPD has determined posed no physical threat to the campus community. On Tuesday, November 26th, the Department of Public Safety discovered the communication and notified SPD. SPD is the lead law enforcement agency on the case. To preserve the integrity of the investigation, SPD directed Syracuse University not to communicate to the broader campus community until now. However, in partnership with SPD and DPS officers, University leaders spoke with and offered resources and support to the student chapter’s leadership.

In consultation with multiple law enforcement agencies, including Syracuse Police, the FBI and New York State Police, DPS anticipates we may experience more incidents of this nature. DPS will continue to work closely with law enforcement to quickly assess and communicate factual, accurate and timely information.

Per SPD’s directive, to prevent impeding this active investigation, all questions should be directed to SPD. Anyone with information about this incident should contact Syracuse Police Department at 315.442.5222.

If you would like to anonymously report NON-EMERGENCY information for DPS, you can use the Silent Witness tool. To report a bias incident or to receive support, visit the Stop Bias website.

The Syracuse Police Department has made an arrest after a series of new graffiti markings were discovered on campus yesterday. Police identified the suspect in connection with four incidents of graffiti in and around the Irving Garage and Bird Library.

The Department of Public Safety is currently investigating four bias incidents that were recently reported. Two of the incidents occurred in Day Hall, one on the 5th floor and the other on the 6th floor. In both incidents, racist graffiti using language derogatory to African Americans. The third incident occurred on the first floor of Flint Hall, where a post-it note was found with anti-Native American language. The 4th incident occurred at the Comstock Art facility, where graffiti was found containing racist language that is derogatory to Asians.

If you have information about these incidents, please call the DPS at 315.443.2224. If you would like to anonymously report NON-EMERGENCY information for DPS, you can use the Silent Witness tool. To report a bias incident or to receive support, visit the Stop Bias website.

Over the last 24 hours, a joint task force, consisting of officers from the Syracuse Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York State Police and the Department of Public Safety, has been actively investigating an email threat made against a faculty member. The threat contained anti-Semitic language and was threatening in nature. It was first reported to the Department of Public Safety yesterday morning; the threat was then directed to the Syracuse Police Department, who is the lead agency on the investigation.

At this time, there are no suspects and no additional information available. If you have any information about this crime, contact Syracuse Police directly at 315.442.5111

To anonymously report NON-EMERGENCY information for DPS, you can use the Silent Witness tool. To report a bias incident or to receive support, visit the Stop Bias website.

Since our last Public Safety Informational Notice, the Department of Public Safety has been working closely with the Syracuse Police Department, New York State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate the document purported to be a white supremacist manifesto. The law enforcement agencies are actively working to determine the origin of the document. Thus far, based on the preliminary information, there is no appearance of a direct threat. As the investigation continues, we will provide appropriate updates as information becomes available.

In light of this recent incident, the Department of Public Safety immediately implemented additional safety measures including:

• Doubled patrols
• Stationed DPS vehicles strategically around campus
• Dedicated and increased walking patrols to all residence halls and campus buildings

In the event that you feel unsafe while traveling on campus, please call for a safety escort at 315.443.SAFE. Also, please sign up for the LiveSafe App on your smartphone, which acts as a mobile blue light, allowing you to contact the DPS Emergency Communications Center with the touch of a button and transmit your physical location during the call. We also have a list of safety strategies that we urge you to review.

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