SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — The new chief of the Syracuse Police Department, Joseph Cecile, said he plans on shifting some of SPD’s responsibilities in Syracuse University’s off-campus neighborhood to the university’s Department of Public Safety.
“We strategized about letting [DPS] start taking calls in that off campus neighborhood when it involves their students because in many cases they’re not stretched like we are and can get there quicker,” Cecile said.
He emphasized DPS would only respond to non-emergent situations.
“Say if it’s a burglary that’s already occurred, not in progress, we’re looking at the possibility of having DPS go there so they can take the report and investigate it, so that the student isn’t waiting,” Cecile said.
Cecile also said he believes DPS responding to situations in SU’s off-campus neighborhood will allow SPD to focus on other issues. Off-campus neighborhood resident Matt Fairfax said this will help students’ perception of DPS.
“I think it only helps the campus by increasing their authority. I don’t think anyone’s doing to complain that DPS has too much authority because ever since I’ve arrived on campus it’s always just been DPS can’t do this, they can’t help out with that, that’s an SPD problem,” Fairfax said.
We reached out to DPS, but could not speak to them in time for this story.
