As public safety personnel patrol our buildings and streets, a behind-the-scenes team of professionals works around the clock to monitor all emergency activity on campus via the Drexel Public Safety Communications Center. Read on to learn more about how the Communications Center is here to help you. Also included this month are a police substation grand opening and some rideshare safety tips.
GETTING TO KNOW THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER
The Drexel University Public Safety Communications Center serves as the crucial link between the University community and all services provided by Drexel Public Safety (DPS), Drexel Police and the Philadelphia police and fire departments. This centralized Communications Center is staffed 24 hours per day, seven days per week by dispatchers who are certified by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials.
- Emergencies: When you dial 215.895.2222 during an on-campus emergency, a dispatcher from the Communications Center will answer and send help your way (you may also call 911 during any emergency). The Communications Center is in direct contact with Philadelphia police and fire departments, emergency medical services, emergency vehicles, and Allied security officers. Additionally, calls placed on campus blue-light emergency telephones immediately connect to the Communications Center.
- Drexel Guardian App: If you download Drexel Guardian onto your mobile phone, a GPS locator is activated during self-initiated emergency communications. Dispatchers in the Communications Center can then use Drexel Guardian to locate and assist you.
- Safety Monitoring: Communications Center dispatchers monitor panic, intrusion and fire alarm systems and closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems, and they conduct virtual video patrol using CCTV.
- Walking Escorts: The Communications Center will connect you with a walking escort when you dial 215.895.2222 to request one. (Learn more about this 24/7 service.)
Meet the Manager
Colin Quinn has been the Communications Center Accreditation and Training Manager since April 2014. Previously, he worked as an emergency telecommunicator and dispatcher for both DPS and the Whitemarsh Township Police Department. You’ll find Colin leading workplace safety and active shooter awareness workshops with various Drexel organizations and groups across all campuses. Outside of Drexel, Colin is an avid outdoorsman and cyclist, and a loyal Philadelphia sports fan.
COMMUNITY COMMITMENTS
Drexel Police Substation Opening in LeBow Hall
Drexel Public Safety will open a police substation on the first floor of Gerri C. LeBow Hall at 3220 Market St. The grand opening is on May 14 from 9 a.m. to noon. This substation will increase efficiency and effectiveness of Drexel Police in and around academic buildings and several student-housing locations. Here, you will be able to report suspicious persons and activity, make a police report, check for and turn in lost and found items, obtain safety information and register your bike or laptop. If an officer is not present at this substation, a phone is available to request immediate assistance from the Communications Center.
DPS Helps Inspire Junior Dragons
At this year’s Inspire a Child to Dream Day, Drexel Public Safety collaborated with the Philadelphia Fire Department to provide children with a hands-on experience of what it is like to be a first responder. Children learned how calls are dispatched, how fingerprints are retrieved and how to use the firehose and other public safety equipment.
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
Drexel Police Substation Grand Opening
May 14, 9 a.m. to noon
Gerri C. LeBow Hall, First Floor
Stop by and say hello to our police officers, pick up some safety information and enjoy some snacks.
Cookies With a Cop
May 16, 8 to 10 p.m.
North Residence Hall Lobby
National Police Week
May 12–19, 2019
National Police Week honors law enforcement officers and survivors every year with a series of events hosted in Washington, D.C. Drexel Public Safety is grateful to the dedicated police officers who keep our campuses safe.
RIDESHARE SAFETY TIPS
DPS encourages you to exercise best judgement and caution when using ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft. Below are some rideshare safety tips that you should practice every time you catch a ride.
- Request Your Ride Inside
- Minimize the time you stand alone outside. Wait inside until your driver arrives.
- Check Your Ride
- Make sure you are getting into the right car with the right driver. Match the license plate, car make and model, and driver’s photo with what is on your app.
- What’s My Name
- Ask the driver to confirm your name before you get into the car.
- Be a Back-Seat Rider
- Whenever possible, sit in the back seat. This helps ensure that you can safely exit the car on either side and gives you some personal space.
- Share Your Trip Details With Loved Ones
- When en route, tap “Share Trip Status” to share trip information with a friend or family member. They will receive a text or push notification that tracks your trip and estimated time of arrival.
- Additionally, the Drexel Guardian app includes a Safety Timer as well as a one-touch emergency dialing feature. Learn more on the DPS website.
- Protect Your Personal Information
- Most ridesharing apps will also anonymize your phone number when you call or message your driver through the app and mask your pickup and drop-off addresses in a driver's trip history. Do not share additional personal information with your driver.
- Follow Your Intuition
- Trust your instincts and use your best judgement when using a ridesharing service. If you sense an urgent situation, call 911 immediately. Most services allow the user to call 911 directly through the app, so real-time location and trip details can be shared with the dispatcher.
- Wear Your Seat Belt
- Seat belts help save lives and reduce injuries related to car crashes.
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.