Some of the DPS crew posing with Drexel alumni, who stopped by to say hello at the recent Cookies With Cops event! Photo courtesy of Drexel Public Safety.

December is a time when many of us may be distracted by final exams, travel plans, shopping and other seasonal activities. Drexel Public Safety (DPS) wants everyone to enjoy their winter break and holiday season safely. So no matter what your distractions are, read the below safety tips to ensure you, your family and valuables have a jolly, grinch-free time! Plus: Get to know what DPS has been up to over the last year under the leadership of Vice President Mel Singleton.

Traveling This Holiday Season?

Whether you’re headed home for winter break or taking a vacation, DPS wants to make sure you travel safely. If you’re traveling through a train station or airport, walk with confidence, keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings. Always keep your luggage with you and properly secure luggage tags so your belongings are easily identifiable.

You’ll also want to ensure the safety of your home while you’re away. Make sure all windows and doors are locked, and put an automatic timer on the lights. Additionally, don’t let your mail pile up. Place a hold on delivery service and have it delivered when you return through the USPS Hold Mail option.

Safe travels, Dragons!

Get Your Holiday Shopping Done — Safely

The holiday season is upon us, and many of us have a list of purchases to check off. We’d like to remind Dragons of a few safety tips to consider whether you’re shopping in person or online.

1. Always safeguard your valuables.
   • Keep your personal belongings to a minimum and carry them on your body, such as in a secure pocket or zipped in your jacket.
   • If your vehicle has a trunk, be sure to store your packages in there until you get home. Don’t leave packages and bags in plain sight.
   • Monitor credit card and bank statements for any unauthorized charges.
   • Read further on in this newsletter for detailed tips on keeping your vehicle safe.
2. Keep your loved ones prepared.
   • Familiarize yourself and your family or other travel companions with building exits.
   • Cell phone service isn’t always reliable in public spaces, so establish a meeting place in case you get separated.
   • If you’re shopping with young children, make them aware of security personnel in stores and remember what they are wearing so you can provide a description if they get lost. Suggestion: Take a photo of them before you leave so it can be easily disseminated in the event of an emergency.
3. Combat online shopping threats.
   • Never provide your Social Security number or driver’s license number to any seller.
   • Be cautious of businesses with bad reviews or minimal customers. Shop with businesses you recognize and trust.
   • Drexel IT’s website has an Information Security section that provides tips for you to determine if you have the latest anti-virus spyware on your devices.
   • Drexel Police headquarters at 3219 Arch Street serves as a “Safe Online Transaction Zone.” If you are buying, selling or exchanging goods on forums such as Facebook Marketplace, use our lobby to ensure your transaction is completed safely.
4. Shipping and receiving holiday packages: See last month’s edition of Public Safety & U for tips on keeping your postal packages safe.

Keep Your Vehicle Safe From Theft

If you’re traveling by car this holiday season, be sure to keep the following tips in mind on the road:

• Place all loose items in the trunk of your car before you arrive at your destination.
• Park smart and take all your valuables with you. Don’t tempt a car thief by leaving cell phones, sunglasses, computers, passports or other items in your car.
• Turn off the ignition and never leave your car running unattended even for a few seconds.

Do you know what to do if you are the victim of a broken window, car break-in or broken trunk? If the break-in is in progress, call Drexel Police 215.895.2222 or your local police 911 with your location and suspect description. If the break-in happened already, you should still file a police report. Make a list of stolen items, and if available, estimated value and serial numbers of any electronics. If credit cards were stolen, cancel them immediately and check for unauthorized activity. If an original passport or Social Security card was stolen, go to the nearest police station.

Drexel Public Safety: A Year in Review

Nov. 14 marked the one-year anniversary of DPS Vice President and Chief of Police Mel Singleton joining Drexel Public Safety. Chief Singleton created three pillars for his department to build upon: Community, Engagement, Inclusion and Connectivity; Organizational Excellence; and Crime Prevention, Reduction and Safety. Within each pillar, the department has completed the following initiatives:

Community, Engagement, Inclusion and Connectivity

• Collaboration with the Drexel Public Safety Oversight Committee in policy reviews and officer-hiring process
• Collaborative initiatives with the Undergraduate Student Government Association
• Neighborhood clean-up with the Powelton Village Civic Association 

Organizational Excellence

• Improved training for officers and supervisors in active-shooter, plain-clothes operations and procedural justice, social justice and community cultural awareness
• Purchase of ballistic shields and helmets for increased officer safety during armed assailant events
• Policy reviews, revisions and departmental restructuring to improve DPS/DUPD operations

Crime Prevention, Reduction and Safety

• Department-issued cell phones for police officers to allow them to review police data and information (such as crime bulletins, crime patterns and wanted person flyers, etc.) while on foot or on a bike
• Park “Walks and Talks” designed to prevent crime and positively engage the communities we serve
• Plain-clothes security details to provide less visible police protection for certain high-level events
• Additional security measures during bag checks at sporting events and other larger events on campus
• Use of police vehicle dome lights at night to increase DUPD visibility during events

Captain Patrick Haney, Chief Mel Singleton, Officer Charles Davis, Deputy Chief LaMonte Adams. Photo courtesy of Drexel Public Safety.

Welcome to DPS, Officer Davis!

Officer Charles Davis was sworn in with DUPD on Dec. 7. We wish Officer Davis much success in his career as a Drexel University Police Officer.

Sergeant Santiago poses with a student at the November Cookies With Cops event. Photo courtesy of Drexel Public Safety.

Community Commitments

Warm Up at the Dec. 12 Cookies With Cops

Our first Cookies With Cops event of the academic term was a huge success — so much so that we ran out of cookies and hot cocoa. And we’re ready to spend time with you again! Join us for a break from finals and a sweet treat before your winter break begins. The next Cookies With Cops event is at noon on Dec. 12 on Korman Quad. Hope to see you for some cookies, hot chocolate and friendly conversation.

Did You Get Your Free Steering Wheel Lock Yet?

Drexel affiliates and surrounding community residents who own a Hyundai or Kia can come to Drexel University Police Headquarters, 3219 Arch St. and pick up a steering wheel lock free of charge. A valid driver’s license and proof of Hyundai or Kia vehicle registration will be required to receive the steering wheel lock.

The SAFE Program Teaches You to Protect Yourself

Public Safety’s self-protection program, Self-Awareness for Everyone (SAFE), is split into two sessions: SAFE I and SAFE II. Due to the hands-on nature of the class, we strongly recommend you register with a fellow Dragon. Participation in the techniques is recommended, but not required. Registration is required 72 hours prior to the class. You can register via Eventbrite for these classes. These classes are also available by request for your group.

• SAFE I classes will be offered the second week of every month on Monday and Wednesday from 5–7 p.m. Upcoming classes are on Jan. 8 and Jan. 10.
• SAFE II classes will be offered the fourth week of every month on Monday and Wednesday from 5–7 p.m. and cannot be taken until you have completed SAFE I. Upcoming classes are on Dec. 18, Jan. 22 and Jan. 24.

You can see a class in action in this video feature created by Drexel students.

Additional DPS Educational Programs

You can request any of the following presentations and trainings by completing the Request a Presentation Form.

• Your Safety Is Our Goal: This virtual workshop is a great way to learn how to stay aware of your surroundings and always be prepared — not scared — when moving through the city.
• Fire & Emergency Services, Emergency Preparedness: The Office of Fire and Emergency Services offers tailored, data-driven awareness and training programs by request to help the Drexel community reduce the risks of fire, medical emergencies, elevator entrapments, power outages, gas leaks and other common challenges.
• Workplace Safety Program: The Public Safety & U workplace safety program is designed to empower and educate members of the Drexel community and can be customized to address the unique security challenges of your unit.

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 or not 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. You can also contact DPS through the Drexel Guardian app. 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