You see us around campus, you receive our Drexel Alerts, and you talk to our dispatchers when you call for help or guidance. To help you get to know us even better, Drexel’s Department of Public Safety is launching the new Public Safety & U feature in DrexelNow. We hope these monthly updates will keep you informed, involved and safe within the Drexel University community.
Getting to Know Drexel Public Safety
Drexel Police and Security Officers
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) employs effective community policing and security practices to ensure a safe and secure campus environment. Drexel police officers patrol University City Campus borders that extend from 30th to 36th Streets and Chestnut Street to Spring Garden Avenue, and a Drexel police officer is assigned to the Queen Lane Campus full-time, per the campus schedule. In Center City, DPS works in coordination with the Philadelphia Police Department. Allied Universal Security Officers also maintain a presence on all three campuses. Our officers are here for you 24 hours per day, seven days per week, 365 days a year!
This unit ensures compliance with the Philadelphia Fire Code and national fire safety standards, interacts regularly with the Philadelphia Fire Department and conducts building inspections, fire drills, fire safety education and emergency preparedness and evacuation procedures. Drexel EMS is a volunteer student organization that provides emergency medical care to the University City Campus and immediate community.
Drexel Public Safety Communications Center
Part of the Public Safety Operations Unit, the Center is staffed 24 hours per day, seven days per week and serves as the crucial link between the University community and services provided by DPS and the Philadelphia Police Department. As the eyes and ears of the University community, the unit also employs emergency telephones, closed-circuit cameras, DrexelAlert and DrexelGuardian to connect with and protect our community.
Future publications of Public Safety & U will provide more personal introductions to each of these units.
Meet our NEW BIKE PATROL UNIT
You may have noticed two police officers pedaling around campus lately. In September, the Drexel Police Department deployed its first ever Police Bike Unit to patrol those harder-to-reach places around campus. Police officers Charlie Barone (left) and Matt Richardson (right) are the inaugural members of the unit. They are primarily assigned to the Market and Chestnut Street corridors, where construction, traffic congestion and building density make it difficult for officers in cars to get around. You’ll see Charlie and Matt both inside and outside of buildings and businesses as they work to prevent crime, provide emergency services and promote safety. They are happy to chat or answer any questions, so if you see them in your travels, give them a wave and say hello.
We’re Great at Parties!
The Department of Public Safety was thrilled to put our hoagie-making skills to the test at the grand opening of the new Wawa store on the University City Campus at the beginning of the fall term. Drexel Police went up against Drexel EMS and the Philadelphia Fire Department in the “Hoagies for Heroes” competition. Drexel Police emerged the victor and donated their $1,000 check to the Drexel Veterans Association.
DPS 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.
Upcoming Events
- Don’t Stall, Just Call
Nov. 13, 7–8:30 p.m.
Mitchell Auditorium, Bossone Research Enterprise Center
The Office of Residential Living invites RAs and students to this informational session on alcohol awareness and the University’s Responsible Dragon Amnesty Policy.
- Preston & Steve’s Camp Out for Hunger
Deadline to receive donations is Nov. 29
Calling all departments, student teams and groups to join us in collecting non-perishable food items for Philabundance. Visit the Camp Out for Hunger website for a list of requested items.
You can drop off donations at the Drexel Police Headquarters (3219 Arch St.) or the Public Safety office (3201 Arch St., Suite 350); or DPS can pick them up. Please contact Linda Moran at lmm467@drexel.edu for additional details or to arrange a pickup. DPS will transport all items to the Camp Out for Hunger.
Safety Tip Trio: Autumnal Awareness
- Fall is a good time to replace the batteries in your smoke detectors.
- As the days get shorter and darker, be sure to stay aware of your surroundings while walking outside — avoid staring at your phone, texting or reading while in transit.
- Stop and look before crossing any street, always use the crosswalk, and do not step in front of moving cars — you may not be visible to them!
For additional safety information, please visit our website.
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