This month marks the 10-year anniversary of the Drexel Police Department, established to protect the Drexel community so that everyone can feel safe and secure in their living, working, learning and social environments. Read on to learn about the Investigations Unit, a small but essential part of Drexel Police, as well as a “Then and Now” snapshot of how the Police Department has progressed over its first 10 years.

GETTING TO KNOW THE INVESTIGATIONS UNIT

The Drexel University Police Department Investigations Unit is a four-person team that assists and supports Drexel’s uniformed patrol. This unit conducts investigations of both criminal and student-related incidents reported to the Department of Public Safety (DPS), gathering information through interviews, security camera review, and crime scene photographs and fingerprinting. The unit employs a Victim Services Coordinator, available to provide support services to students and employees who become victims of violent crime. The Investigations Unit is also responsible for collecting, managing, storing and returning over 1,500 found items that are turned into the department each year. If you have lost an item on campus, please call 215.895.2822 to report it.

The Investigations Unit coordinates with the DPS Operations Unit to ensure all incident reports comply with the Clery Act and national accreditation requirements. They also collaborate with many campus partners and work closely with other local and national law enforcement agencies.

MEET THE CAPTAIN

Captain Bob Lis, who has been with Drexel since 2005, supervises the Investigations Unit. Lis spent almost 35 years in the Philadelphia Police Department in various roles, including patrol, plain clothes policing, juvenile aid and special victims, and 17 years in the Detective Bureau. Lis values the relationships he has formed working with Drexel students, faculty, professional staff and community partners.

A new great-grandfather, Lis enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, attending Philadelphia sporting events and exploring the city’s culinary scene on Friday nights. 

COMMUNITY COMMITMENTS 

Healthy Hearts for Families Was a Success! On Valentine’s Day, DPS delivered healthy snacks for families who stay at the Ronald McDonald House while their children are cared for at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. 

Drexel Public Safety is always happy to participate in community events, whether it’s a charity tournament, race, parade, fraternity or sorority event — you name it. Looking for an extra team to join your fundraiser or activity? Please contact Linda Moran at lmm467@drexel.edu to see if DPS can participate. 

DREXEL POLICE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS

This month, DPS will host its annual Induction and Commendation ceremony. Nine new Drexel police officers will be sworn in, eager to serve the Drexel community. DPS will also be commending its outstanding employees and saluting the Police Department’s 10-year anniversary! 

A lot can happen in 10 years; as Drexel has grown, Drexel Police grows with it. Here is a snapshot of how far the department has progressed in serving the safety needs of the Drexel community.

THEN (2009)	NOW (2019)
All patrols handled by Allied Security officers.	Drexel Police and Allied Security partner together to cover more territory at a faster rate.
Patrol hours were 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.	24-hour patrol
24 sworn officers and Communications Center personnel.	61 sworn officers and Communications Center personnel.
An annual average of 18,000 logged calls processed by the newly integrated Drexel Public Safety Communications Center.	An annual average of 72,000 logged calls processed by a more robust and widely recognized Drexel Public Safety Communications Center.
Drexel Police and the Communications Center began the extensive self-assessment process to obtain accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA), to ensure agency compliance with national standards.	Both the Drexel Police and the Communications Center earned CALEA accreditation in 2011 and successfully earned re-accreditation in 2014 and 2017. Drexel remains the only university with a CALEA-accredited Public Safety Communications Center.

SAFETY TIP TRIO

Fire Safety

Daylight Savings Time (Sunday, March 10) is a good time to check your smoke detectors and replace the batteries. Set yourself a reminder to do so!

Identity Theft

Most crimes on campus are unattended thefts. Practice these simple steps to decrease your risk if identity theft:

• Always secure your personal items; always lock, and never prop doors.
• Remove personal and electronic items from vehicles that are in plain view.
• Take precautions to avoid mail and package theft.
• Visit Drexel University Information Technology's website for information on internet and computer safety.

Party Safety

Springtime is around the corner, and with the warm weather comes a renewed urge to have some fun. Enjoy yourself responsibly and practice common sense when attending a party, bar, club, holiday event or taking public transit at night.

• Always identify a designated driver or have a ride home arranged if you will be drinking. 
• Never leave your drink unattended at a social event.
• Practice the buddy system whenever possible and if a friend becomes disoriented or unusually intoxicated, take them to a safe space and call for help immediately.

Emergency Numbers

University City Campus
215.895.2222 or 911
TTY: 215.571.4141

Center City Campus
911 or 215.762.7111

Queen Lane Campus
911 or 215.895.2222

Academy of Natural Sciences
911 or 215.299.1019

All other Drexel locations
Dial 911

Escorts and non-emergencies
215.895.2822

To learn more about Drexel Public Safety visit drexel.edu/publicsafety