Drexel’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) must maintain strong relationships with the people it strives to protect. In this issue, learn about Drexel’s community policing efforts and the two officers who work hard to keep lines of communication open between our community’s diverse constituents.
WHAT IS COMMUNITY POLICING?
Community policing is a law enforcement program in which police officers, often working on foot or bicycle, are assigned to specific neighborhoods or communities to work with residents to prevent crime and solve neighborhood problems. The goal of this strategy is to enhance both public safety and the quality of life in a community.
The Drexel University Police Department (DUPD) works closely with our community to identify concerns and implement solutions related to public safety. Although all Drexel police officers share the goals of community policing, DUPD employs two community relations officers who are the primary liaisons assigned to nurture collaborative partnerships with the community: Tom Cirone and Kim McClay.
Officers Cirone and McClay work hard to build trust and respect from Drexel’s student population, so that students can feel comfortable coming to Drexel Police if there is a problem or emergency. They collaborate with Residential Living and Student Conduct to develop relevant safety education workshops and programs. They will also work with departments, schools and colleges to develop customized safety workshops. If you are interested in scheduling a workshop, please complete the presentation request form on the DPS website, and an officer will contact you to discuss your request.
To keep lines of communication open between Drexel and the immediate community, Cirone and McClay also regularly meet with Drexel‘s residential and business neighbors to discuss any concerns. They also encourage neighboring residents to participate in Drexel public safety initiatives such as the R.A.D. self-defense workshop series, the Drexel Guardian safety app and the walking escort program.
Daily responsibilities of the community relations officers include:
- Hold educational on-campus presentations on topics such as crime prevention, alcohol and drug safety, active shooter and emergency response procedures.
- Identify and mitigate on- and off-campus quality-of-life issues such as litter, noise, abandoned vehicles and dilapidated properties.
- Liaise with Drexel student government associations, Residential Living and fraternities and sororities.
- Facilitate the bike and computer registration program.
- Collaborate with the 16th Police District and their community relations officers.
- Maintain cooperative efforts with the Philadelphia Parking Authority, the Department of Licenses and Inspections, and other city agencies as needed.
- Supplement police patrol as requested.
Meet Our Community Relations Officers
Officer Tom Cirone is Drexel Police’s first appointed Community Relations Officer and has been with Drexel since 2011. Cirone was formerly a patrol officer, patrol supervisor (sergeant), and firearms instructor in Woodbury, New Jersey for 25 years. Cirone lives in Gloucester County, New Jersey, with his wife and three children.
Officer Kim McClay has also been with Drexel since 2011 and was assigned community relations responsibilities in 2018. Prior to Drexel, McClay was a detective with the Camden County Prosecutors Office for 18 years and a police officer (corporal) with the Delaware River Port Authority for nine years. McClay lives in Burlington County, New Jersey.
COMMUNITY COMMITMENTS
Promise Zone Community Fun Day
In July, Officers Cirone, McClay and Drexel Police Chief Eileen Behr attended the 16th Police District Promise Zone Community Fun Day at the 39th and Olive Street Playground, where they handed out books to community youth, encouraging them to all to read daily.
If you are interested in having Drexel’s community relations officers attend an event or provide an educational presentation, please complete this form on the Drexel Public Safety website.
Department Kudos
DPS encourages its team members to advance their skillsets to promote leadership qualities that will better serve our community. DPS congratulates Captain Edward Carangi, who recently graduated from Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, a ten-week law enforcement global leadership program held in Philadelphia.
Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System
In a collaborative effort to keep the public informed, DPS is notifying the Drexel community that FEMA and the FCC will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System on Aug. 7 at 2:20 p.m. This one-minute test will be sent to radio and television stations and will not include wireless emergency alerts on cell phones. There will be limited impact to the public with only minor interruption of radio and television programs.
PARKING LOT SAFETY
While parking lots and garages provide drivers with a tremendous benefit, especially in urban locations where on-street parking may be scarce, remember to exercise caution and sound judgement, just as you would out on a public street.
Drivers
- When possible, park under or near lights. Always look around when exiting or entering your vehicle.
- Slow down! The speed limit is 10 mph in most parking lots.
- Turn off the radio and open your windows slightly so you can hear any noises that may help prevent a collision.
- Avoid distraction and do not use your mobile device while operating your vehicle.
Pedestrians
- When walking in a parking lot or garage, be aware of your surroundings and walk with caution.
- Put your mobile phone away to avoid distractions.
- Do not assume drivers can see you when you see them.
- Treat the parking lot like a street — look both ways.
- Avoid walking between parked vehicles, and look out for cars backing out of parking spaces.
Did You Know?
- Twenty-five percent of collisions in parking lots occur when a driver is backing up.
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.