Chief of Campus Safety advises students on how to stay safe on campus
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With the fall semester kicking off Monday, some Syracuse University students may wonder what measures they can take to stay safe and protect their homes and belongings while out and about on campus.
The Daily Orange spoke to SU’s Associate Vice President and Chief of Campus Safety and Emergency Management Services Michael Bunker to compile back-to-school safety tips and resources for students as they return to campus.
Bunker said the most common safety concerns he sees are vehicle and home break-ins as well as stolen packages. He added that these crimes spike when students begin returning to campus.
“It is locking your doors, it’s being aware of where you’re parking your car and really just having that safety sense about you,” Bunker said.
Locking your doors and windows at all times, even if you’re just leaving your keys in your car for a minute, is Bunker’s top safety tip. This goes for electric scooters and other vehicles as well.
Bunker also advised students to download and make use of the Orange Safe app. The app allows students to send their location to a friend who can contact emergency services, and call SU’s Department of Public Safety or 9-1-1 with the push of a button.
When walking home at night, Bunker suggested using the Mobile Bluelight feature in the app, which sends the user’s location to DPS and calls DPS’ Emergency Communications Center. Afterward, they can stay on the phone with a member of DPS or use the chat feature until arriving home.
“Walk with a group…avoid cutting through areas that aren’t well lit,” Bunker said. “Always keep an eye out for your friends no matter what. Don’t leave someone on their own.”
The app is the best way to report any suspicious behavior on campus, Bunker said, as it allows students to send in photos and videos. Orange Safe is also an easy way to stay up to date on any campus-wide safety alerts or emergencies, he said.
DPS uses social media platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and X to keep students, faculty, staff and residents updated on what’s going on in the community. Alerts are posted on all platforms to reach different audiences.
DPS is fully staffed and working with the Syracuse Police Department, Bunker said. He said students will see more visibility from DPS this year.
“Get to know us, get to know the people behind the badge,” Bunker said. “And don’t be afraid to have a conversation.”
