Refresh your campus safety knowledge!
Fall term at Drexel University is an exciting time when campus life is revving up with academic and social engagements soon to be in full swing. Whether you are a first-year or returning student, employee or visitor, one constant here at Drexel is that it is important for us to feel safe as we go about our daily routines. Drexel’s Department of Public Safety has the experience and operations in place to guide us through emergencies or in situations where we may feel unsafe. Ensuring a sense of security is a collaborative effort among all of us and now is a good time to refresh your knowledge about safety services available to you. Read on for a list of top 10 things you should know.
1. EMERGENCY CONTACTS AND THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
One of the first things campus newcomers should do is add 215.895.2222 (Drexel Public Safety) to your mobile phone contacts list. This number will connect you to the Drexel Public Safety Communications Center, staffed 24 hours per day, seven days per week. When you dial 215.895.2222 during an on-campus emergency, a dispatcher from our centralized communications team will answer and send help your way (you may also call 911 during any emergency). Additionally, calls placed on campus blue-light emergency telephones immediately connect to the Communications Center.
2. EMERGENCY ALERTS
DrexelALERT is an emergency notification system that provides fast dissemination of crime and safety alerts to Drexel students, faculty and professional staff via text messaging and email.
DrexelALERT's effectiveness depends upon individuals providing accurate personal contact information. Learn how to update your contact information.
3. TURN YOUR PHONE INTO A SAFETY DEVICE
If you download Drexel Guardian onto your mobile phone, you can use a one-touch dialing feature to activate a GPS locator during an emergency. The Drexel Communications Center can then immediately locate and assist you, improving the speed at which we can help those who may be at risk. Drexel Guardian will not track you nor share your information unless you initiate an emergency.
Other useful features of this app include:
- Set a Safety Timer: You can set a safety timer to notify Drexel Police or people you trust to check in on you if you are alone or in an unfamiliar place.
- Manage & Message Your Guardians: Invite family, friends or others to be your Guardian, and communicate with them within the app as needed.
- Easy Emergency Communication: Use one-touch dialing to call safety officials directly for help if you are in trouble. Send text tips — including photos — if you see something suspicious.
Downloading the app is easy. Search for ‘Rave Guardian’ in the app store. Review these frequently asked questions to learn more.
4. KEEP YOUR DRAGONCARD ON YOU
You should carry your DragonCard with you at all times while on campus. It acts as your official University ID and is required to enter and exit many on-campus buildings. DPS’s Building Access Guidelines outlines accessibility parameters for buildings on campus.
5. DREXEL SHUTTLES AND WALKING ESCORTS
Drexel University Real Estate and Facilities runs free shuttles for students, faculty and professional staff to and from all three Philadelphia campuses. You must present your official Drexel ID to board a shuttle. View the shuttle schedules on the Drexel Real Estate and Facilities website.
Public Safety offers walking escorts within our patrol boundaries in University City upon request, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To request an escort, call 215.895.2222, use a blue-light emergency phone or ask any security or police officer on patrol.
6. RESPONSIBLE DRAGON AMNESTY POLICY
Drexel University is aware that students are sometimes reluctant to seek medical attention in alcohol- and drug-related emergencies out of fear that they may face sanctions related to possessing or consuming alcohol or other drugs. The Responsible Dragon Amnesty Policy (RDAP) provides amnesty from disciplinary action under the alcohol and drug policies and some related laws, for students or student organizations who seek medical assistance during an alcohol- or drug-related emergency. Students, parents and employees should familiarize themselves with the RDAP and the Student Code of Conduct.
7. PREVENT ON-CAMPUS THEFT
Most crimes on campus are unattended thefts. Theft leaves victims susceptible to the loss of important/personal items and potential identity theft. Safeguard your valuables and use our free service to register your property (bikes, laptops, skateboards, cell phones, larger headphones) by bringing them to Drexel Police Headquarters at 3219 Arch St., where we will log item details into our registration system.
8. ALWAYS BE PREPARED
A safe and secure campus is our number one priority, but we need help from all Drexel community members to respond to and prevent emergencies. As you get back into the swing of things this fall, familiarize yourself with your surroundings – know the addresses of your residence hall, classrooms and/or offices. Awareness is a key component of emergency preparation and we encourage you to familiarize yourself with these tips on personal preparedness.
Drexel Public Safety also hosts self-defense courses throughout the year, teaching the basics of hands-on defense training using the R.A.D. method. Learn more on the Drexel Public Safety website.
9. CONSTRUCTION AND TRAFFIC ADVISORIES
Nestled within a large urban city, Drexel is subject to traffic delays, sidewalk closures and other disruptions to transit on and around campus. While these improvement projects do have an end in sight, we understand that they can sometimes be inconvenient. Drexel maintains a Construction and Traffic Advisories webpage to keep you informed. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and it is advisable to check local news and government services for the latest traffic delays and construction notices.
10. KNOW WHO WE ARE
Drexel’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) is comprised administrative and operational units working around the clock to protect you on campus. We also promote safety education to surrounding neighborhoods and interact with these communities through volunteer service.
If you see us on campus, we encourage you to stop, say hello, and get to know us. DPS is made of up the following groups:
Drexel Police Department: Drexel police officers patrol campus by foot, vehicle and bicycle. Sworn Pennsylvania-certified police officers who are trained in many specialized safety services and retain relationships with local law enforcement agencies and neighboring communities. Drexel Police also provides victim support services to those who are victims of violent crime.
Drexel Public Safety Communications Center: A full-service safety and emergency dispatch center, staffed 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The Communications Center is the crucial link between safety services and the Drexel community. Dialing 215.895.2222 connects you to the Communications Center, where dispatchers will identify your request or concern and send help your way.
Allied Security Officers: Contracted security personnel who patrol the University City, Center City and Queen Lane campuses via foot, bicycle and vehicle. They also provide fixed-post security in campus buildings and at events and are available as walking escorts. Allied security officers do not have the authority to make arrests.
Fire and Emergency Services: Encourages comprehensive fire and emergency preparedness practices on all Drexel University campuses. Advises and mentors the Drexel EMS student organization.
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.