Today, we began the arrests of four individuals on felony charges for their alleged involvement in distributing the antisemitic “Wanted” posters around River Campus, and an additional fifth person continues to be investigated. While I regret that this deeply disturbing incident took place on our campus, I am incredibly satisfied that through a thorough investigation we were able to identify those who are allegedly responsible and hold them accountable for the deliberate and deplorable actions targeted toward members of our University community, including members of our Jewish population.

The four individuals charged with felony criminal mischief are University students. I’d like to immediately address here why the actions taken against the students are criminal and not solely disciplinary. Consistent with the requirements of New York state’s statutes (NYS Education Law, Article 129-A, Section 6430, and New York State Education Law; Section 6434), the University is committed to properly addressing and reporting any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers mental or physical health of members of our University community, as well as coordinating the investigation of such crimes with local law enforcement agencies. While it’s sad when individuals engage in criminal conduct that is intimidating to others in classrooms and other facilities that they need to use while seeking an education or going to work, enforcement of the law is done for the protection of the community and in compliance with legal obligations of the institution.

I also want to speak to this crime being treated as a possible hate crime at the state or federal level. From the very start of our investigation, DPS investigators collected all of the necessary evidence and made all of the needed inquiries to prompt a proper evaluation of this incident as a hate crime.  It’s our current understanding that these actions do not meet the legal threshold for being a hate crime, according to the feedback we received from various law enforcement authorities who ultimately make the final determination. This status could possibly change over the course of the legal proceedings, however it is important to note that an action can be targeted and biased, as this was, without meeting the legal definition for prosecution as a hate crime.

Again, let me express my gratitude to our local law enforcement partners who have provided insight and attention to our successful investigative processes; our elected officials who shared our outrage over this intentional targeting of our Jewish population at the University; the University’s leaders who have expressly supported our response efforts; and the members of my Department of Public Safety who have made tremendous contributions to a successful investigative process while also providing the regular services that keep our campuses safe.

Thank you,

Chief Quchee Collins
AVP, Department of Public Safety

The post Arrests Made as Part of Poster Investigation appeared first on Department of Public Safety.

I want to briefly provide the University community with the latest information on our investigation into the antisemitic “Wanted” posters found on Monday, as well as communicate the additional actions that have been taken since our update on Wednesday.

• Our ongoing investigation has identified five persons of interest. The Department of Public Safety’s investigative team continues to make significant progress in examining all available information and evidence. While no formal charges have been filed at this time, the University remains committed to holding all responsible parties accountable to the fullest extent possible. We are working with the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office to explore charging options.
• DPS is working in close coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners who have provided invaluable support throughout this process. We anticipate sharing new information early next week as the investigation develops. I also want to thank members of the University community for the helpful leads put forth in recent days that have contributed to our investigative efforts. As the investigation continues, anyone with information is encouraged to contact Public Safety at (585) 275-3333.
• While our monitoring has not identified any current credible threats, we strongly reiterate our request to media outlets and others to cease republishing the identifying information of individuals who appeared on the posters, as this can contribute to ongoing harassment of community members. We continue to provide and offer safety planning and support for those named in these materials.
• Earlier today, a sign at UR Medicine’s Brighton Health Center was purposefully damaged. In response to the damage, the sign was covered before 6 a.m., and will remain so until a previously scheduled replacement has been completed. While words added to the sign could be linked to our recent events, we can’t speculate on a possible connection while this incident is investigated. The Brighton Police Department is supporting our department in the investigation. While we continue to evaluate the situation, at this time, we have not identified safety or security concerns at UR Medicine facilities.
• The University will provide additional updates as new information becomes available. We thank our community for their continued patience and cooperation during this process.

Thank you,

Chief Quchee Collins
AVP, Department of Public Safety

The post Update on Poster Investigation appeared first on Department of Public Safety.

I want to share an update on our investigation into the antisemitic “Wanted” posters found on Monday in buildings across campus, including classroom spaces.

• The Department of Public Safety continues to actively investigate this incident and now has identified several persons of interest. Those persons include current students, individuals whose current enrollment status is unclear, and other individuals.
• We are engaged with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, including the FBI, New York State Police, New York Attorney General’s office, the Rochester Police Department, Monroe County Sheriff’s office, and Monroe County District Attorney’s office, all of whom have offered resources and support. This collaborative approach strengthens our ability to address this incident comprehensively and effectively.
• We are continuing to pursue all available leads, and we are working diligently to gather and analyze all relevant evidence to ensure a thorough investigation.
• It is the intention of my office to identify and apprehend those whom our investigation determines to be involved in this incident and to ensure these individuals are turned over to the appropriate criminal justice and/or University conduct processes. As President Mangelsdorf stated, this behavior cannot and will not be tolerated at our University.
• The safety and well-being of our campus community remains our highest priority.
• Our department has reached out to each individual targeted in the posted materials to offer additional safety support and resources. We’re ready to support them as needed.
• We are requesting that media outlets refrain from republishing or broadcasting images of the posted materials.
• Colleagues from other institutions have shared with us that they have seen activity similar to what we have experienced at the University.

Additionally, we believe that all of the “Wanted” posters have been removed from campus spaces. However, anyone who comes across one of these posters or other objectionable signage/chalking/marking/etc. should contact the Department of Public Safety at (585) 275-3333.

Our department remains committed to fostering a safe and inclusive campus environment. We have no information to suggest a threat to community safety resulting from this incident, but publishing the names and photographs of individuals on each poster was plainly an effort to intimidate those individuals. Public Safety continues to monitor all parts of the University while continuing our investigation, and we are available to provide an immediate response to anyone who is concerned with their safety.

We encourage members of the University community to report discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in accordance with the institution’s policy against discrimination and harassment (PADH). A direct link to begin the process is available.

In addition, the Division of Student Life is providing mental health support resources for students feeling affected by these events. Anyone on campus can utilize the University CARE Team, which enables any member of the University community to express their concern about a person, incident, or issue by submitting an online CARE referral or bias-related incident report. Doing so initiates a process and response involving appropriate staff across various campus offices. For faculty and staff who may have been impacted by this incident, the UR Medicine Employee Assistance Program is available.

We will continue to update the community as our investigation progresses.

Thank you,

Chief Quchee Collins
AVP, Department of Public Safety

The post Update on ‘Wanted’ Posters Investigation appeared first on Department of Public Safety.

The Department of Public Safety is partnering with the Rochester community for a food drive benefitting House of Mercy homeless shelter and advocacy center. All non-perishable food donations will be received until November 25. Monetary donations are also accepted.

Donation locations:

• Department of Public Safety Headquarters (612 Wilson Blvd.)
• Eastman Institute for Oral Health
• Strong Memorial Hospital Emergency Department, Communications Desk
• Strong Memorial Hospital Emergency Department, Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program
• Strong Memorial Hospital, Main Lobby Ambassador Desk

Suggested items:

• Baking mixes
• Canned vegetables
• Canned fruit
• Soups
• Condiments
• Canned meats
• Beans
• Cereal
• Starches (pasta, rice) and shelf-stable prepared meals

Questions?
Please contact peace officer Cheyenne Hovey at cheyenne.hovey@dps.rochester.edu.

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Late last night, the Department of Public Safety was made aware that hundreds of posters depicting members of the University community as “Wanted” were found in buildings across campus, including classroom spaces. University Facilities immediately began working to remove the posters and return the spaces to their usual state. This process is painstaking because of the strong adhesive used to affix the posters, which in some cases caused damage to walls, floors, chalkboards, and other surfaces.

Posters and displays affixed in this manner are unacceptable and considered to be vandalism to University property. Any activities, including the placement of these posters, that disrupt our normal operations and classroom instruction will not be tolerated. Additionally, it seems that the goal of this vandalism is to intimidate members of our University community, which is an action that runs counter to our Meliora values. At the start of the semester, we outlined through the Rochester Conversations website our expectations for campus dialogue, and it starts with respect, empathy, and compassion.

DPS is investigating today’s vandalism and asks anyone who has information to contact them at (585) 275-3333, or at publicsafety@rochester.edu.

Our priority as a University is to maintain a respectful and safe community for everyone, and we appreciate everyone’s engagement in supporting that expectation. We will inform the community as we continue our investigation.

For students who may have been impacted by this incident, please utilize the University CARE Team.

For faculty and staff who may have been impacted by this incident, the UR Medicine Employee Assistance Program is available.

Thank you,

Chief Quchee Collins
AVP, Department of Public Safety

The post Community message about vandalism appeared first on Department of Public Safety.

Donations

Willow’s emergency shelters are the center of their supportive services to families impacted by domestic violence. From the multiple bedrooms to playrooms, each area of Willow’s shelters plays such an important role to the families they serve.

During extremely stressful times, you can help these families feel at home by donating and replenishing much-needed supplies.

Review the official Willow Domestic Violence Center wish list, which outlines items that are in high need.

Donations will be received at the below locations from October 1 until October 31. 

Donation drop-off locations

• Public Safety Headquarters
  612 Wilson Blvd. Rochester, NY 14627 – (Main Entrance)
• Public Safety Crime Prevention Office
  601 Elmwood Ave. Rochester, NY 14642 – (Medical Center, G-6009)
• Strong Memorial Hospital
  601 Elmwood Ave. Rochester, NY 14642 – (Main Lobby)
• Strong West
  156 West Ave. Brockport, NY 14420 – (Emergency Department Entrance)
• Women’s Health
  125 Lattimore Rd. Rochester. NY 14620 – (Main Entrance)
• Surgery Center
  180 Sawgrass Dr. Rochester, NY 14620 – (Main Entrance)
• Alumni and Advancement Center
  300 E. River Rd. Rochester, NY 14623 – (Staff Entrance)
• Laboratory for Laser Energetics
  200 E. River Rd. Rochester, NY 14623 – (COI Entrance)
• Memorial Art Gallery
  500 University Ave. Rochester, NY 14607 – (Staff Entrance)
• Miller Center
  25 Gibbs St. Rochester, NY 14607 – (George Walker Center, MC3A)

The post Willow Domestic Violence Center: Donation event 2024 appeared first on Department of Public Safety.

Download a copy of the Residential Life Fire Drill and Fire Systems document.

The following additional information on these systems may be helpful to you.

The University has two basic designs of fire alarm systems in its residential housing. For residential housing that has a fire sprinkler system installed as described in the above-referenced summary, smoke detector activation in a student room results in “local” alarm for notification of the room occupants and an electronic signal is automatically sent to the Department of Public Safety (DPS), which can alert the Fire Department.

For residential housing that does not have a fire sprinkler system (University Park and Whipple Park Apartments) a more sophisticated smoke detector is installed which senses heat and smoke separately. Activation of the heat sensor sends a fire alarm signal to DPS. Activation of the smoke sensor sends an alarm signal to DPS but also activates a “local” alarm to alert the room occupants.

The Graduate Maisonettes are equipped with battery operated smoke detectors that will alert the unit occupants only.

Smoke detectors that are located in common spaces (i.e. basements, common hallways) in all buildings, except the Graduate Maisonettes, and all sprinkler system activations in those building equipped with sprinklers, activate the building fire alarm system to alert all occupants and transmit a signal to DPS.

Residential Life Fire Drills conducted 2023: – 159

The post Residential Life Fire Drill and Fire Systems appeared first on Department of Public Safety.

1. intentionally selects the person against whom the offense is committed or intended to be committed in whole or in substantial part because of a belief or perception regarding the race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation of a person, regardless of whether the belief or perception is correct, or
2. intentionally commits the act or acts constituting the offense in whole or in substantial part because of a belief or perception regarding the race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation of a person, regardless of whether the belief or perception

The law defines a “specified offense” to include many crimes defined under the Penal Law, including but not limited to murder, rape, sexual assaults, menacing and reckless endangerment. Attempt or conspiracy to commit these offenses may also constitute a hate crime. In general, classification as a hate crime increases the possible sentence that would be imposed on the specified offense if it did not otherwise meet the definition of a hate crime.

For the full text of the statute, which defines special offenses and provides sentencing information, see Section 485 of the New York State Penal Law.

The post Bias Crimes appeared first on Department of Public Safety.

• To calm a disturbance that may be threatening or disruptive to activities.
• When an offense against a person is committed or the individual requests that the police be notified.
• For crimes involving major property damage or multiple losses.
• For a motor vehicle accident with personal injury or property damage exceeding $1,000.

Public Safety is in close contact with the Rochester Police and other law enforcement agencies through the 911 center and by direct radio communication with selected police units.

The University has Memoranda of Understanding with the city of Rochester Police Department, the Brockport police department and the Brighton police department which outline how the departments work together to respond to events occurring on University property.

The post Police Are Called When appeared first on Department of Public Safety.