Learning best practices for community safety is an important skill for college and beyond. We want you aware of the resources available, what to do in an emergency and how to stay safe proactively. We sat down with Department of Public Safety (DPS) Lieutenant Eugenio Alvarez to answer all your campus safety questions.
Q. What campus safety resources are available to students?
A. DPS provides a variety of campus safety resources, including emergency “blue light” phones, campus safety alerts, safety escorts in partnership with Parking and Transportation Services, crime prevention programs, emergency preparedness information, lost and found services and assistance with reporting suspicious activity or incidents.
Students should save the DPS phone number in their phones, 315.443.2224, and know where the department is located in Sims Hall. Students should also familiarize themselves with the location of the DPS Marshall Street Substation in case they need assistance while in that area.
Q. What should a student do in case of an emergency when on campus?
A. For an immediate or life-threatening emergency, call 911 or contact DPS directly. Whichever number you call, know that help will be dispatched.
Provide your location, explain what is happening, follow the dispatcher’s instructions and move to a safe location when appropriate. Make note of the vehicle’s tag number or person’s description (e.g., height, weight, clothing). Students should also pay close attention to Orange Alert emergency notifications and follow all instructions provided by University officials and first responders.
Q. Can DPS help students when they are off campus?
A. DPS has the authority to respond to and assist students in off-campus areas. Depending on the location and circumstances, a law enforcement response off campus may include both DPS and the Syracuse Police Department.
The DPS Emergency Communications Center can also notify the Fire Department, Syracuse University Ambulance (SUA) and other emergency services when needed.
DPS regularly patrols certain off-campus areas, including the East Neighborhood. DPS officers also enforce New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law in off-campus locations within their jurisdiction and in areas near the University.
Students should not assume leaving campus means DPS can no longer assist them. If you need help or are unsure whom to contact, reach out to DPS. In an emergency, call 911 or DPS immediately.
Q. How can students proactively practice campus safety before a problem arises?
A. Don’t wait for an emergency to learn what to do. Save important phone numbers, sign up for campus emergency notifications, learn the locations of “blue light” phones and exits and familiarize yourself with the services DPS provides.
Keep all your MySlice information up to date, including your emergency contact information. When possible, walk with friends, secure your residence and belongings, avoid leaving valuables unattended and have a plan for getting home safely.
Don’t forget to protect your belongings. For bikes, including e-bikes and scooters, use a sturdy U-lock (not just a cable lock) and register them with DPS. For packages, track your deliveries and pick them up promptly, or use a locker/mailroom option if your building has one. Don’t leave valuable belongings visible – take them with you or lock them in a trunk or center console when possible.
Q. What is your biggest campus safety tip or piece of advice for incoming and new students?
A. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. Avoid becoming so distracted that you lose awareness of what is happening around you, and always know where you are. If something or someone makes you uncomfortable, move to a safe location and contact DPS at 315.443.2224 or the Syracuse Police Department at 315.442.5200.
Be mindful of your personal property and do not leave belongings unattended. When possible, walk with friends or classmates after dark. Know how to contact DPS and other emergency services, and be cautious about publicly sharing personal information online. Be vigilant for phone or Internet scams seeking to get you to share passwords or personal information.
Most importantly, if you see something, say something. Report suspicious or concerning activity and allow DPS to investigate and determine the appropriate response.
Q. Any other tips or advice?
A. Never hesitate to report something because you are worried that it might turn out to be nothing. DPS would rather receive a call and determine that everything is okay than have someone ignore a potentially serious situation.
Take care of yourself and look out for your friends. Communicate your plans when appropriate, make safe decisions and remember: if you see something, say something.
Downloading the Orange Safe App is another great way to interact with DPS and access the safety resources we provide. The app also has features that can turn a personal mobile device into a virtual Blue Light alarm, providing students with another way to quickly connect with DPS when assistance is needed.
We also recommend that all members of the University community watch the RUN. HIDE. FIGHT. video available on the DPS website. The video helps familiarize our community with recommended actions and instructions during an active shooter situation.
Ultimately, campus safety is a shared responsibility. DPS is here to provide assistance, resources and protection. Students can still play an important role by staying aware, being prepared, looking out for one another and reporting concerns before they become larger problems.
Staying safe on campus is a non-negotiable. Noting all of the resources and information DPS has to offer is a great way to make sure you’re staying safe and aware. For more information, please visit the DPS website.
Written by Mirren Grimason ’29, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs