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Syracuse University’s Department of Public Safety will begin scanning license plates on campus, cross-referencing them with law enforcement databases, according to a Friday release.

The license plate reader technology allows officers to see whether a license plate belongs to a stolen vehicle or is involved in an ongoing police investigation. The pilot program is the latest DPS initiative aimed at improving campus safety, the release said.

Michael Bunker, associate vice president of campus safety and DPS chief, said the new technology will increase efficiency and response times when crimes are reported.

“It allows us the ability to identify threats in real time and share that information with our local law enforcement partners,” Bunker said in the release. “This collaboration strengthens our ability to keep the campus community safe.”

Last Friday, a pickup truck was stolen after a house burglary on Redfield Place. The Syracuse Police Department and DPS are still investigating as of Sunday, as the burglar has not been identified.

Also on Friday, a burglary was reported on Harrison Street. Both cases took place in the University Neighborhood, and an unknown suspect stole several electronics and personal belongings.

Published on September 3, 2025 at 9:37 pm
Contact Kate: kjacks19@syr.edu