Security magazine has ranked Drexel University No. 3 in the nation for safety among colleges and universities for 2012. This marks the third consecutive year that Drexel ranked in the top 10. Drexel and the University of Pennsylvania, which ranked at No. 1, were the only two universities in Pennsylvania in the top 20.
“This recognition affirms what the Drexel community already knows about our public safety officials and Drexel Police: that they provide consistently excellent public safety services to all who live, learn and work here,” said Drexel University President John A. Fry. “Drexel’s close collaboration with Penn Police and the Philadelphia Police places our shared campus boundaries at the top of the list for safety among the nation’s universities and ‘college towns.’ I am incredibly proud at what our talented professionals from the Drexel University Police Department and Department of Public Safety have accomplished, under the leadership of Domenic Ceccanecchio and James Tucker.”
Drexel’s Department of Public Safety oversees several community-based programs to address potential crimes, such as a vehicle theft awareness campaign in which cars with valuables in plain view are given an informational “ticket” to educate owners about how they can help reduce theft from vehicles. Other awareness programs focus on not leaving valuables unattended, escorting services, residential theft and bike safety. In addition, Drexel University’s Police Department participates in over 100 in-service and external training programs in areas that include active shooter training, defense tactics training and crime scene training.
“It is a testament to the professionalism and dedication of our police officers and security personnel that Drexel continues to be a model for campus safety at a time when our University community is experiencing significant growth,” said James R. Tucker, senior vice president for Drexel's Student Life and Administrative Services.
The Drexel University Public Safety Communications Center achieved Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) accreditation in 2011 becoming the only standalone university communications center in the world to receive this prestigious award. The Drexel University Police Department also achieved CALEA Accreditation becoming one of only 10 law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania and one of 53 colleges and universities nationwide to receive the prestigious recognition of public safety professional excellence. Drexel is the only university in the world with both an accredited law enforcement agency and an accredited dedicated communications center.
“Drexel’s Department of Public Safety prides itself on its holistic approach in maintaining a safe campus environment,” said Domenic Ceccanecchio, M.S., CPP, senior associate vice president for public safety. “We are honored by Security magazine’s recognition.”
The Drexel University Police Department provides 24/7 patrols with 35 full-time sworn municipal police officers certified through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers Education and Training Commission (MPOETC) with law enforcement authority at Drexel University’s three Philadelphia campuses: University City Campus, Center City Campus and Queen Lane Campus.