Spring has sprung, bringing new life onto campus. As you enjoy the warmer weather and longer days, remember that Drexel Police are here to help with your on-campus safety needs. Read on to learn about the Drexel Police Department and free public safety services offered to members of the Drexel community, including trainings and bike registration.
GETTING TO KNOW THE DREXEL POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Drexel Police Department consists of 45 sworn officers who patrol Drexel’s University City Campus on foot, vehicle and bicycle, 24 hours per day, seven days per week. There is one full-time officer stationed at the Queen Lane Campus. On the Center City Campus, Drexel Public Safety works in coordination with the Philadelphia Police Department to respond to incidents. Maps of campus patrol boundaries are located on the Drexel Public Safety website. Together with Allied Universal security officers, Drexel Police work hard to ensure a safe environment and improved quality of life on Drexel's campuses. To report a safety emergency, please dial 215.895.2222 or 911.
Drexel Police are trained in first aid, CPR and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). They are also well versed in crime prevention education and community outreach. Drexel Police have the authority to make arrests and are in constant communication with local law enforcement agencies. Officers consult regularly with students, faculty and professional staff to discuss crime prevention and safety issues, encouraging collaboration to promote safety on campus and the adjacent neighborhoods.
Drexel Police offer several safety programs free of charge. These include:
- Public Safety & U: An hour-long presentation about safety at Drexel that is customizable for individual groups. There are limited sessions listed in Career Pathway. Registration is required. Additional personalized sessions can be scheduled by contacting Linda Moran at lmm467@drexel.edu.
- Bike and Computer Registration: All students, faculty and professional staff are encouraged to register their bikes with the Department of Public Safety. Computers and laptops may also be registered if they have a visible serial number. Bring your items to Drexel Police Headquarters at 3219 Arch St. to be registered. Items must be present at time of registration.
- Rape Aggression Defense Program (R.A.D.): Certified R.A.D. instructors teach the basics of the R.A.D. self-defense system at sessions held on campus. To register for the spring series, please complete this registration form.
Please visit the Drexel Public Safety website for additional information about these programs.
Meet the Chief
Eileen Behr holds dual responsibilities as the Chief of Drexel Police and the Vice President of Public Safety for Drexel University, responsible for all aspects of law enforcement, safety, security and emergency preparedness. Working in law enforcement for more than 40 years, Behr came to Drexel after serving as the first woman appointed to the position of Montgomery County Sheriff. Her desire to return to hands-on law enforcement through close work with students and the community is what drew her to Drexel. Behr makes herself readily available on campus, interacting with members of the Drexel community and encouraging them to make use of all of the resources that DPS has to offer. Behr also attends neighborhood meetings in Mantua, Powelton Village and the Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships, listening to community feedback.
Behr, deeply dedicated to betterment through service, is also a member of the Montgomery County Correctional Facility Board and a board member for the Whitemarsh Veteran Movement Foundation.
COMMUNITY COMMITMENTS
Drexel Police Participate in Read Across America
On March 8, Drexel police officers visited the Frances E. Willard School to participate in Read Across America. The officers read to approximately 300 first and second graders within their respective classrooms, while enjoying a snack of soft pretzels.
Drexel Public Safety is always happy to participate in community events, whether it is 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
Register for the R.A.D. Self Defense Program
The spring course schedule and registration form can be found on the Drexel Public Safety website.
Bike Tune Up at Race Street Lawn
April 9, 1–6 p.m.
A local bike shop will offer free bike tune-ups. Drexel’s bike patrol unit will be present to discuss bike safety, with the opportunity to register your bike with DPS.
Coffee With a Cop
April 18, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Starbucks at 34th and Lancaster
Join members of Drexel Police and the Philadelphia Police Department for free coffee and pastries and fun conversation!
EarthFest
April 23, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Visit Drexel Police at EarthFest on Lancaster Walk. They will be available to answer your safety questions and to register your bike or computer with DPS. More information about EarthFest can be found on the Drexel Green website.
SAFETY TIP TRIO
How to Contact Drexel Police
In the event of an emergency on campus, you can contact Drexel Police by calling 215.895.2222. It is important to speak clearly and know your exact address, not just the building name (the address should be posted on the outside of the campus building).
Campus Blue Light Emergency Telephones
Emergency telephones are strategically located throughout Drexel's three Philadelphia campuses, illuminated by blue lights making them highly visible. These phones automatically contact the Drexel University Public Safety Communications Center and indicate the caller's exact location. Students, faculty and professional staff are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the locations of these telephones.
Emergency Preparedness
Familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures posted in all University-owned buildings, near entrances or elevators. Learn more than one way out of the building and reassess your action steps for all emergencies that may arise. More information about Emergency Preparedness can be found on the Drexel Public Safety 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
To learn more about Drexel Public Safety visit drexel.edu/publicsafety.