As the Drexel community falls into November, Public Safety would like to share tips on preventing package theft, introduce some of our Communications Center staff and spread the word on upcoming events spanning safety, camaraderie and giving back. Plus: a survey inviting you to provide feedback on how Public Safety can best serve you.
Hey Dragons, We Want to Hear From You!
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) invites you to participate in a community survey aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the services we provide. Your response, which will remain confidential, will contribute to our efforts to improve the efficiency and success of the department. You have until Nov. 14 to respond. If you have any questions, please reach out to dps@drexel.edu. Thank you in advance for your sharing your feedback!
‘Tis the Season to Send Gifts Responsibly!
The holiday season is just around the corner — not to mention, deals on the day after Thanksgiving. It’s fun and convenient to shop online, but when you do, be sure to track your packages regularly, and do not leave them outside or in public spaces for long periods. If you know you won’t be around to collect a package, you can arrange for alternative delivery options or make sure a trusted confidante is present to receive the delivery. Detailed tips below:
- If you won’t be home, have your packages delivered elsewhere, such as an Amazon pick-up/return site, P.O. box, or a FedEx or UPS location. It is well worth the commute there to ensure your packages are safe.
- Request that deliveries require a signature. With carriers like FedEx or UPS, you can often set this preference through your customer account, even if the package is already on its way. In other cases, such as U.S. Postal Service deliveries, you will need to arrange for a signature ahead of time.
- Subscribe to delivery alerts. All major delivery services offer notification services for package updates. A text message will inform you that your package has arrived.
- Ask a family member, roommate, or trusted neighbor to retrieve your package for you.
Employee Spotlight: Meet Some of Our Great Communications Center Staff
The Drexel University Public Safety Communications Center acts as the eyes and ears for all campus activity. It serves as the crucial link between the University community and all services provided by Public Safety, 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. They are the ones who respond when you call 215.895.2222 or use your Drexel Guardian mobile app. We’re proud to spotlight some of the fantastic Communications Center dispatchers in this newsletter:
- Dispatcher Selina Hairston has been with Public Safety for five months and is in the process of training. Her favorite part of the job is getting to know more about Drexel and its community each day. Fun fact about Selina: She enjoys sitting and relaxing by the little fountain outside the Rush Building.
- Starting as a dispatcher five years ago, Tim Markert was promoted to dispatch supervisor a year and a half ago. In both roles, Tim actively monitors campus cameras, answers emergency phone calls and responds to Rave Guardian alerts. Now that he’s working a day shift, Tim enjoys getting outside on his lunch break to explore campus. Tim recently got married and started taking classes toward a degree in General Studies. During the pandemic, he explored his creative side by building wooden blanket decorative ladders and extending his house deck. Tim wanted to say the following to the community: “Don’t hesitate to contact Public Safety; we are a phone call away and always willing to be of service.”
- Although she began her career in 2002 as a dispatcher for the City of Philadelphia, Dispatcher Stephanie Jones has worked for Drexel for eight years, during which she obtained her certification as a supervisor and Communications Training Officer. For the last six years, she has worked intermittently as a supervisor and helps train new hires. She loves being able to help others in need, no matter how great or small the task is. Stephanie was born and raised in Alabama and is the youngest child of 10! During the pandemic, Stephanie learned how to sew and started making masks as a hobby.
Thank you, dispatchers, for being heroes behind the scenes!
Reminders: Protect Your Bike; DPS Resources
In case you missed it, last month, Public Safety released an advisory about an uptick of bike thefts. The cold won’t scare potential thieves away! Check out this Instagram video in which Sergeant Santiago gives the Drexel community the lowdown on how to properly lock your bike.
To keep yourself and your property safe, please take advantage of all the resources Public Safety has to offer, which you can find on the DPS website, including:
- Property Registration
- Walking Escorts
- Virtual and in-person situational preparedness presentations
- Self-protection classes (Stay tuned for upcoming schedule! For details in the meantime, you may contact Linda Moran at lmm467@drexel.edu.)
Community Commitments
Stop by the HQ for Some Cocoa
Come say hi to the Public Safety folks over some delicious hot chocolate! From October through March, Drexel Police is hosting monthly meet-and-greets on the southeast corner of 33rd and Arch streets, near the entrance to Buckley Recreational Field, so that students, faculty and professional staff can spend time with our officers. The next Cocoa With Cops event will take place Dec. 1 from 8–9:30 p.m. Upcoming 2022 dates listed below.
- Jan. 12, 2–3:30 p.m.
- Feb. 16, 2–3:30 p.m.
- March 9, 5–6:30 p.m.
Get the Scoop on Situational Preparedness
Want tips straight from the experts on how to be prepared, not scared, in dangerous or unfamiliar situations? Sign up for “Your Safety Is Our Goal,” Public Safety’s engaging community trainings on situational preparedness, happening monthly on Zoom. The next batch are on Nov. 16, 12 p.m. and 6 p.m., and Dec. 16, 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sign up for one of these scheduled events, or if you have a community or group you would like us to present to, or would like to propose an alternate presentation time, please contact Officer Tom Cirone at tjc94@drexel.edu or Officer Kim McClay at kam556@drexel.edu. See you there!
Military Care Package Drive
In partnership with the Office of Veteran Services, Public Safety is hosting a care package drive event, collecting toiletries, non-perishable food, kids’ supplies and more for local veterans. Donations are being accepted from Nov. 11 through noon on Dec. 1, at several locations around campus, and you can even “adopt a box” to use from Public Safety. You can also come to the Recreation Center Lobby on Friday, Dec. 3, to help pack boxes and/or write thank-you notes to service members. Visit the calendar listing for a full list acceptable donation items and drop-off locations, and other details.
Important Reminders
We’re Here for You When You Need Us
Please call 215.895.2222 immediately if you experience or witness a crime. Our 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.