Happy New Year from Drexel’s Department of Public Safety! We’re starting the year off with much gratitude to our partners around the University who helped us collect loads of donations to fight hunger in Philadelphia and spread cheer to our active-duty military personnel. We wish you all a safe and secure 2019!
GETTING TO KNOW OPERATIONS
The Operations unit is the central communications, monitoring and technology hub of Public Safety. Operations is responsible for all aspects of the Drexel Public Safety Communications Center, all technology that supports Drexel Police and the installation and management of all security and communications technology, including DrexelAlert and Drexel Guardian.
The DrexelAlert system enables fast and efficient dissemination of critical information through email, text message and phone (if necessary), to Drexel students, faculty and professional staff. When you download the mobile application, Drexel Guardian turns your cell phone into a personalized blue light emergency phone. In the event of an emergency, Drexel Guardian allows the Communications Center to access important information about individuals immediately, improving the speed at which we can locate and help those who may be at risk. Learn more about DrexelAlert and Drexel Guardian on the Public Safety website.
Meet the Director
Under the leadership of Director of Operations and Deputy Police Chief Joe Spera, the Operations unit established the Public Safety Communications Center and DragonCard monitoring systems and deployed other centralized safety-related technology for the University community. Spera has been with Drexel Public Safety for 10 years and was instrumental in building the Drexel Police Department into the successful unit that it is today. A Philadelphia native, Spera served 20 years with the Philadelphia Police Department. He also proudly committed years of service to the United States Air Force Reserve and the United States Marine Corps.
Spera is passionate about giving back to those who serve their communities and country. He is a proud volunteer with the Pennsylvania Warriors' Watch Riders of the tristate area, a group of veterans who provide motorcycle escorts for military units and individual soldiers. An avid outdoorsman, Spera enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time in a secluded mountain cabin. Of course, Spera also enjoys spending time with his loved ones, including working on home construction projects for his children.
COMMUNITY COMMITMENTS
Campout for Hunger Success — Thank You!
Thank you to all the departments throughout the University who made Public Safety’s donation drive for the Campout for Hunger a success! Through collaborative generosity, we were able to fill our police wagon with food donations.
Pictured here are Officer Joerger, Sergeant Santiago and Officer Wells loading donations into the wagon.
Military Care Packages Sent – Thank You!
Drexel Public Safety in partnership with Drexel’s Student Veterans successfully produced and sent 75 care packages overseas for active military personnel.
Drexel Public Safety 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
R.A.D Systems of Self Defense Class Series — Register by Jan. 13
The R.A.D. for Women Systems of Self Defense program is a class series that provides realistic defense methods to help participants make educated decisions about resistance. This series is held on the University City Campus and is free to members of Drexel campuses and the immediate community. Participants must attend all classes in the series. Additional details, including the class location, will be emailed to registrants.
Classes are held Jan. 15, 17, 22 and 24. All classes are held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The last day to register is Jan. 13.
To register for this series and for additional information visit the Drexel Public Safety website or contact Karen Sams at 215.895.1609 or kjs52@drexel.edu.
SAFETY TIP TRIO
New Cell Phone?
Did you get a new phone over the holidays? Update your phone number via DrexelOne so you receive DrexelAlerts. Also remember to download the Drexel Guardian app.
Battery Safety
Users should be cautious of lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries found in many of our electronic devices. If the battery overheats, you hear a popping or hissing noise or observe the device bulging, beware of an impending battery failure. Maintain a safe distance, shield yourself from the danger and warn others to stay away. Call Public Safety at 215.895.2222. If the device is free burning, an ABC fire extinguisher is available and you are trained to use it, you may operate it. Learn more at batteryuniversity.com.
Lithium polymer batteries used for research or student projects must register with the Department of Environmental Health and Safety at safeheal@drexel.edu.
Prevent Slips & Falls
Use caution when the wintry weather mix hits us. Watch out for icy sidewalks and streets. If you come across any untreated sidewalks, please call Facilities at 215.895.1700 to report the location.
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
To learn more about Drexel Public Safety visit drexel.edu/publicsafety.