This summer, the Department of Public Safety at Syracuse University added new officers and updated the camera system.

Summer activity also included heavy maintenance on the campus-wide camera system operated by DPS. The renovations are part of DPS’s preparations for the fall semester.

“We are working to expand that system to cover more outdoor areas of Main and South Campus,” said DPS Chief Tony Callisto.

DPS hired Lysa Dolin, Roger Camby and Krystyna Rotella as new peace officers. Dolin has security experience obtained from working at a Veterans Affairs Hospital. She additionally worked as a police officer in Phoenix, N.Y.

Camby is joining the DPS from Hamilton College’s security force and Rotella is a recent SU graduate.

Another new hire this semester is Gary Hass. Hass had a long career as a firefighter and paramedic in Manlius, N.Y. He will be working as a new dispatcher and communications specialist for DPS.

Six sub-divisions fall under the DPS umbrella, with some fully focusing on safety and others handling administrative or technical tasks.

The technical and administrative department of DPS oversees the emergency radio and telephone communications, the law enforcement databases, dispatching officers to alarms and monitoring the closed-circuit camera system located throughout SU’s campus, among other duties.

The Community Policing Division includes the patrol units who work 24/7 to handle emergency calls, Blue Light Alarm System alerts and various other emergency calls. This division also plans and coordinates the Orange Watch program, which places DPS peace officers in key areas on campus and the surrounding neighborhoods.

“Our focus is on deterring off campus crime, crime prevention programming with students and pedestrian and traffic safety initiatives,” Callisto said.

On Aug. 23, SU students received two emails from DPS concerning off-campus crimes near Thornden Park. The first incident involved a female student who reported she was forcibly touched while walking through Thornden Park.

In the second incident, a male student was robbed by a group of six suspects at the entrance of the park, according to the email.

In the emails, DPS reminded students to take safety precautions such as not walking alone, traveling in well-lit areas, being aware of their surroundings and utilizing the free DPS escort services provided.

Providing a ride home to students found walking alone in off-campus neighborhood areas will be a main emphasis this semester, Callisto said.

Said Callisto: “As we start the academic year, we’ll refresh our focus on seeking out students who we find walking alone in off campus neighborhood areas.”

Published on August 27, 2012 at 1:58 am

Contact Jen: jbundy@syr.edu