Happy summer, Dragons! This issue of Public Safety & U has some tips to help keep you cool and safe during the dog days of summer, including a chance to grab an ice-cold lemonade and get to know the Public Safety (DPS) team at the next Cookies With Cops event on July 14. And while things might be a little quieter on campus this month, the Department of Public Safety is ushering in some changes: a new interim vice president and chief of police, and a new Twitter account (@DrexelDPS). 

Whether you decide to follow the team on social media, or swing by a summer community event, DPS looks forward to connecting with you this season and beyond.

Public Safety Leadership Update

Effective July 1, Drexel Police Captain of Investigations Robert Lis has assumed the role of interim vice president and chief of police while the University conducts a nationwide search to fill this role permanently. After nearly 35 years with the Philadelphia Police Department, Bob came to Drexel in 2005 as a police investigator and rose through the ranks to become police captain of investigations in 2018. You can read more about Bob and the search for a new vice president and chief of police in this July 5 message from Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Operating Officer Helen Bowman.

The Public Safety team extends its best wishes to former Vice President and Chief of Police Eileen Behr, who retired from law enforcement on June 30. The team will miss her leadership, company and dedication to the community as an advocate for the well-being of her team and of all Dragons.

Heat Exhaustion & Fatigue: What You Need to Know

Drexel Public Safety would like to remind the community that self-care is important, especially in the summer heat. Heat exhaustion and fatigue can take a toll on all of us if we do not take proper precautions.

Signs of heat exhaustion can include heavy sweating, weakness, nausea and/or cool, pale, clammy skin. When experiencing any of these symptoms, individuals are urged to sip water, sit or lay down in a cool location, loosen clothing, and apply wet clothes to exposed skin. These steps can effectively reduce body temperature. Individuals should seek medical attention if they experience vomiting, loss of consciousness, incoherent speech, convulsions, red and hot facial features or if their original condition does not improve.

Fatigue is tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness, and/or a reduction in the efficiency of a muscle or ability to think. It may significantly affect the ability to communicate clearly, work safely and productively and react optimally. Fatigue and related consequences, such as unintentionally falling asleep, may be a significant human factor resulting in a slip, trip or fall injury.

Fatigue may be caused by:

Physical Challenges:

• Long work hours/shifts from multiple jobs
• Periods of physically demanding activities
• Static (standing) positions for long periods of time
• Not resting during break times
• Changes to job or shift rotation 

Mental Challenges:

• Periods of high concentration
• Excessive emotional/mental stress

Personal Challenges:

• Changes in home environments
• New baby at home, new/changing caregiver roles
• Sleep disorder

Be cautious in the above circumstances, and please take breaks from activity as needed.

Advisory: Package Thefts

Drexel’s partners at the University of Pennsylvania Department of Public Safety are advising of an uptick in residential burglaries on their campus. We are advising the Drexel community to remember the following:

• Always keep your doors locked.
• Never let anyone piggyback off your access.
• Do not prop doors open.
• Have your packages delivered to a secure location if you are not home when they get delivered.
• Always report suspicious activity to the police and your property manager.

DPS Executive Assistant Linda Moran, a recent Drexel graduate, celebrates with her son, Liam Markert, who graduated from high school and is attending Drexel in the fall.

Get to Know the DPS Graduates: Linda Moran and Aden Betman

Public Safety’s Executive Assistant Linda Moran and Crime Analyst Aden Betman both graduated from Drexel this past June — Linda with a bachelor’s degree in General Studies with dual minors in Criminal Justice and Client Development and Customer Service, and Aden with a bachelor’s in Criminology and Justice Studies. Join the team in congratulating them and wishing them success in their next steps!

Linda Moran has been at Drexel for eight years as the executive assistant for the vice president and chief of police. In this role, she has direct contact with Drexel Police, dispatchers and other colleagues, as well as primarily coordinating and scheduling educational resources, community events and this newsletter! Born and raised in Philadelphia, Linda is a mother of four and anticipates starting her master’s degree program in September. Her son, Liam Market, graduated from high school the same week Linda graduated with her bachelor’s and will also be attending Drexel in September. “Embrace every opportunity to get to know our police officers,” says Linda. “They enjoy being able to have conversations with students, faculty, and staff and sharing commonalities.” (Fun fact — part of this message was conveyed in Linda’s commencement speech!)

Aden Betman will be transitioning from his part-time role as a crime analyst into a full-time role with DPS as a security technology specialist. Aden was featured in the “Get to Know DPS” spotlight during his co-op in August 2021.

Follow @DrexelDPS on Twitter!

Follow Drexel Public Safety’s new Twitter account (@DrexelDPS) to get important safety tips, information on community events, learn more about the department and its staff, and much more.

Community Commitments

Learn How to Protect Yourself With DPS’ Educational Offerings

• Your Safety Is Our Goal: Stay aware of your surroundings and always be prepared, not scared, with DPS’ situational preparedness trainings. If you’re interested in organizing a workshop session, please complete the Request a Presentation Form. The program will be back with monthly scheduled sessions in the fall; more details to come in Public Safety & U’s August edition.
• Self-Awareness for Everyone (SAFE): Public Safety’s self-protection program is currently being scheduled by request for either individuals or groups. To schedule a session, please contact Linda Moran at lmm467@drexel.edu. DPS’ next summer-term class will be held on Aug. 9 from 5–9 p.m.  Anyone interested in participating can register via Qualtrics.
• Workplace Safety Program: The Public Safety & U workplace safety program highlights the importance of workplace safety through workshops and discussions designed to empower and educate members of the Drexel community. This program can be customized to the specific needs of an administrative department or academic college or school to address unique security challenges and identify solutions. If interested in organizing a workshop session, please complete the Request a Presentation Form.

Stay Cool at Cookies With Cops: July 14

Swing by an upcoming Cookies with Cops for a chance to interact with Drexel police officers while enjoying some refreshments and conversation to break up your day. The next event will be held July 14, from 3:30–5:30 p.m. on the southeast corner of 33^rd and Arch streets, next to Buckley Field entrance.

National Night Out: Aug. 2

Celebrated on the first Tuesday in August, National Night Out is designed to make communities safer and more caring through national community-building programs that promote police and community partnerships. Research has shown that partnerships between communities and local police forces have a positive effect not only on crime rates but also on the communities’ trust in law enforcement. Join Public Safety or community-building activities on Aug. 2 from 5–7 p.m. at the southeast corner of 33^rd and Arch streets, next to Buckley Field entrance.

Important Reminders

We Are Here for You When You Need Us

Please call 215.895.2222 immediately if you experience or witness a crime. Drexel’s Public Safety Communications Center is staffed 24/7 to serve you, whether you choose to remain anonymous when making a report. It is vital that crimes are reported promptly to Drexel Police so that they can be investigated, and so that Public Safety can connect the victim(s) with proper resources.

Drexel Guardian is an app with a one-touch dialing feature to call for help or activate a GPS locator during an emergency, which allows the Drexel Communications Center to immediately locate and assist you. Drexel Guardian will not track you nor share your information unless you initiate an emergency. To download the app, search for “Rave Guardian” in the app store or Google Play store.

Emergency Numbers 215.895.2222 or 911

TTY: 215.571.4141

Walking Escorts

215.895.2222

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