If you’ve never visited Drexel Police Headquarters at 32nd and Arch streets, Drexel’s Department of Public Safety encourages you to stop by any time to take advantage of the many services provided there, or to just say hello. You’re sure to encounter a friendly face, like the subject of this month’s Public Safety Employee Spotlight, Kollie Kabbah. Also included in this issue are some cool tips for avoiding heat exhaustion and fatigue in these dog days of summer.
Drexel Police HQ Is Here for You
The Drexel University Police Department’s (DUPD) headquarters, located at 3219 Arch St., is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for members of the community to visit any time. Some of the services and activities provided at DUPD HQ include:
- Reporting a crime
- Requesting a walking escort
- Using the lobby as a safe space in which to complete person-to-person transactions, such as a purchase or swap arranged online
- Registering your property, such as bikes or computers
- Finding general information about public safety, the University or related topics
- Requesting and receiving copies of police reports
- Turning in or retrieving lost property
- Addressing student health/crisis issues
- Meeting with Drexel Police employees or other Public Safety personnel, whether it’s for a class project or just to say hi!
Employee Spotlight: Meet Kollie Kabbah
Allied Universal Security Supervisor Kollie Kabbah has been working with Drexel Public Safety for over eight years, starting as a bike patrol officer and working in Drexel’s residence halls until receiving the opportunity to become a shift supervisor. As a shift supervisor, Kollie oversees almost every facet of the Drexel police station, including but not limited to: handing lost-and-found property, procuring resources for the station and its employees, and managing three other security officers.
When asked his favorite part about his job, Kollie said it is “being able to put a smile on people’s faces when they come in for their lost property.”
Outside of work, Kollie loves to grab great food from the Happy Sunshine food truck on 34th and Arch streets. He’s also a car aficionado and enjoys down time fixing and installing stereos in cars.
“I am happy to be part of the community and always appreciate when the community sees something and says something,” said Kollie, with a message for the Drexel community: “Please continue to support us Public Safety Officers and Drexel Police to make the community a happier and safer place.”
Tips for Beating the Heat This Summer
Drexel Public Safety would like to remind you about the importance of self-care, especially in the summer heat. Heat exhaustion and fatigue can take a toll if you don’t exercise proper precautions.
Signs of heat exhaustion can include: heavy sweating, weakness, nausea and/or cool, pale, clammy skin. When experiencing any of these symptoms, individuals are urged to sip water, sit or lay down in a cool location, loosen clothing, and apply a wet cloth or piece of clothing to exposed skin. These steps can effectively reduce body temperature.
Individuals should seek medical attention if they experience vomiting, loss of consciousness, incoherent speech, convulsions, red and hot facial features, or if original conditions do not improve.
What is fatigue? Fatigue is tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness; a reduction in the efficiency of a muscle or ability to think.
Fatigue may significantly affect the ability to communicate clearly, work safely and productively, and react optimally. Fatigue and related consequences, such as unintentionally falling asleep, may be a significant factor resulting in a slip, trip or fall injury!
Fatigue can happen for many reasons and can be exacerbated by unfavorable conditions of summer heat:
Physical
- Long work/class hours/shifts from multiple jobs
- Periods of physically demanding activities
- Static (standing) positions for long periods of time
- Not resting during break times
- Changes to job or shift rotation
Mental
- Periods of high concentration
- Excessive emotional/mental stress
Personal
- Changes in home environments
- New baby at home, new/changing caregiver roles
- Sleep disorder
To guard against fatigue, make sure you recognize areas of your lifestyle that could use extra attention (Do I need to set a sleep schedule? Am I eating three meals a day? Am I taking enough breaks?). Allied Universal has more information [PDF] on how to prevent slips, trips, and falls stemming from fatigue.
Community Commitments
Being aware of your surroundings and recognizing situations that are potentially dangerous are key to keeping yourself safe. Public Safety is now offering virtual, interactive, monthly presentations on situational preparedness that educate students, faculty and staff about measures they can take to prevent themselves from being victims of a crime. The sessions, which are hosted by Public Safety police officers and employees, provide tips to encourage the University community not to be scared, but to be prepared.
In July, sessions will be held by community request; check out the next Public Safety & U, DrexelNow event listings, and the Public Safety website for an official August session date. Anyone interested in attending a session should contact Officer Cirone at tjc94@drexel.edu or Officer McClay at kam556@drexel.edu.
Important Reminders
We’re Here for You When You Need Us
Please call 215.895.2222 immediately if you experience or witness a crime. Drexel’s Communications Center is staffed 24/7 to serve you, whether or not you choose to remain anonymous when making a report. It is vital that crimes are reported promptly to Drexel Police so that they can be investigated, and so that Public Safety can connect the victim(s) with proper resources.
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.