SUNY Brockport students received a community safety alert sent on behalf of the University Police not even a week into the Fall 2024 semester. The email announced that a level three (high-risk) sex offender moved within a “close proximity of the campus.”
The email sent on behalf of University Police was originally drafted from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
“We ask that, as always, you utilize sound judgment,” the email states. “Avoid walking alone at night.”
The registered sex offender, Mark Janczylik moved to 310 Main St., Brockport, N.Y., just over 0.4 miles from the nearest building on the SUNY Brockport campus.
Many students live in off-campus housing, which can be even closer to Janczylik’s new location.
Junior Austin Rud and his friends just moved into an apartment on Main Street.
“I don’t live as close as other people, but even just living down the street from this guy, I mean I can’t imagine what people that are right next door thinking,” Rud said. “Are they going to have to lock all their doors extra tight since you never know when this guy’s going to be walking right around your house?”
While upperclassmen who live in the village may fear for their safety, the concern extends to students living on campus. The email surprised many first-year students, who were attending only their third day of classes.
First year Dorthy Maglore experienced a sudden increase in anxiety upon receiving the email.
“When I got that email, I got really nervous,” Maglore said. “There’s different areas from the road you could just easily walk in onto campus, so it kind of got me more scared since I don’t know if the predator is on campus.”
Some students have taken it upon themselves to make a post on social media when they see Janczylik around the village. Others believe this is simply something that is bound to happen.
“I don’t know if he’s trying to go get his morning cup of joe, or groceries, or whatever,” Maglore said. “He still needs to keep in mind that he is on the registry as a sex offender, so people are going to have their eyes on you.”
SUNY Brockport University Police remind students who may be concerned about Janczylik that resources are available. The University Police can provide walking escorts on campus and offer a Student Patrol Safe Ride in the evenings by calling (585) 395-SAFE.
