DPS dispels rumors of Halloween violence

The Department of Public Safety rejected rumored threats of sexual assault against sorority members as “uncorroborated” in a campus-wide email on Thursday. 

DPS said similar rumors are brought to its attention every year, but there is no evidence to support them. The department will employ additional patrols on Halloween and this weekend due to increased social activity, according to the email. 

“Despite chatter on social media channels, at this time, there is no evidence to substantiate these threats or rumors,” the email reads. 

Campus police will continue to monitor social media for rumored threats and investigate them. Patrols will be focused on the edge of campus to keep community members safe.

DPS’ Orange Watch patrols will focus on specific areas on North and South Campus and the neighborhoods north and east of campus. University Area Crime-control Team patrols, staffed by DPS and the Syracuse Police Department, will patrol the immediate off-campus area and Greek life neighborhoods.   

Students can call a DPS safety escort at 315-442-7233. Direct connection to the DPS Emergency Communications Center is available through the LiveSafe app, which acts as a mobile blue light. 

Community members who wish to report rumors are encouraged to call DPS at 315-443-2224. Anonymous reporting is available through the Silent Witness tool.