Safety and security are shared responsibilities, and Drexel Public Safety understands that it is imperative for stakeholders to work together to create and sustain a safe environment. That’s why we are always happy to partner with groups on and off campus. Whether you need our help, or we need yours, the goal is the same: to enrich the quality of life of our community and provide a safe and secure environment in which to live, learn, work and play.
Partnership Spotlight: Undergraduate Student Government Association
Over the past several months, Drexel Public Safety has forged a partnership with one student group that has left us in awe of their desire and passion to make this campus better for our students. The Undergraduate Student Government Association (USGA) represents Drexel’s undergraduate student body and bridges the gap between students and the University community. Newly appointed USGA Public Safety Committee Chair Tim Hanlon has led this partnership from the student side and has been a great asset to the Department of Public Safety by helping us understand students’ needs and concerns as we’ve worked together on town hall meetings, refining the messaging used in Public Safety alerts, and crime mapping with our Community Relations Team.
“Public Safety has been an invaluable partner and resource in helping to listen to the voices of students and make an active change on campus. Just as Drexel’s Department of Public Safety does, the USGA Campus Safety Committee works to make all students feel safe and welcome,” said Hanlon. “This joint goal is achieved through our regular meetings with Public Safety to address student feedback and collaborate on new ways to make the community safe. My committee is appreciative of the support we continue to receive from Public Safety and their willingness to find a solution to every problem. I am really excited to continue my work with Public Safety and to see what this partnership will be able to achieve in the future.”
Some examples of the fruits of Drexel Public Safety’s partnership with USGA include:
- Meet & Greets with Drexel Police: Based on a suggestion from the USGA, Drexel Police began holding monthly meet and greet sessions at its substation in Gerri C. LeBow Hall as a resource to engage directly with students.
- Neurodiverse Support: Last fall, in conjunction with the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute and the Drexel Autism Support Program, the USGA created a voluntary program in which students who identify as being on the autism spectrum have the option to carry and produce to emergency responders a card that identifies the individual as being on the spectrum. These cards allow responders to have a better understanding of the individual’s needs and ability to communicate.
- Light Up the Neighborhood: Evidence shows there may be a correlation between neighborhood areas that are poorly lit and increased rates of crime. USGA is planning the “Light Up the Neighborhood” project to help combat this issue by providing lightbulbs to residents to install in existing outside light fixtures so they can better illuminate their properties and, in turn, make the community safer. The initial scope of the project would be based on Public Safety’s patrol boundaries. Public Safety is helping USGA connect with neighborhood groups to get buy-in for the project.
Drexel Public Safety is always happy to forge new partnerships or participate in community events, whether it’s a charity tournament, race, parade, fraternity or sorority event — you name it. Please contact Linda Moran at lmm467@drexel.edu to see if DPS can participate.
Upcoming Events
Drexel Police Monthly Meet & Greet
Feb. 19, 1–3 p.m.
Held the third Wednesday of every month, Drexel Police encourages everyone to stop by the Police Substation in Gerri C. LeBow Hall (first floor, near the A.J. Drexel statue entrance) to ask questions, voice concerns, find resources or just say hello.
R.A.D. Classes
The R.A.D. System provides self-defense courses on the basics of hands-on defense training taught by certified R.A.D. instructors. R.A.D. manuals are provided to course participants, outlining the entire physical defense program. Sign up for Spring Term RAD classes now on the Public Safety website.
Two-hour Self-protection Class
If you’d like to start off with a shorter less physical self-defense class, Public Safety has created a two-hour class providing basic techniques for protecting yourself. Please contact Linda Moran at lmm467@drexel.edu to schedule your group for this new class.
Winter Preparedness Tips
During the winter months, you can count on unpredictable weather patterns in most regions. Here are a few suggestions to keep you and your family safe.
- Prepare emergency kits for your office, home and vehicle. Include items such as ice scraper, jumper cables, battery-powered radio, road flares, blanket, flashlight and batteries, medications, outerwear, waterproof footwear, matches, snacks and bottled water.
- Avoid driving during severe weather events until conditions have improved, if possible.
- Listen to weather reports and newscasts for the latest conditions and allow extra time to reach your destination.
- Make sure your contact information is up to date so you will receive a DrexelALERT if severe weather impacts University operations. To update your mobile phone information, go to the DrexelOne Welcome tab and select “Drexel Alert” under “Safety and Security.” Weather-related delays or closings are also posted on drexel.edu.
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.