The start of spring can be a great time for new beginnings, and Drexel Public Safety (DPS) has some suggestions for your spring bucket list. Looking to learn a new skill? Consider taking DPS’ new self-defense class. Or maybe you want to form healthier habits. Why not brush up on ways to celebrate responsibly, or learn how to safeguard your personal belongings from theft? This month’s Public Safety & U is packed with information on these and other ways to help you spring into safety this year.
Stay SAFE With DPS’ New Self-Protection Classes
Public Safety’s new self-protection program, SAFE (Self-Awareness for Everyone), aims to give Drexel students, faculty and staff the practical skills, resources and knowledge you can use to increase your personal safety and protect yourself in an unsafe situation. The program focuses on your mindset, self-awareness, techniques that could assist in the event of a physical assault, and information on how and to whom you should report incidents and any safety concerns.
Clara Stoughton, who participated in SAFE with a student group at Queen Lane, said her group was “surprised by how practical the skills are and how fun the class ended up being.” She praised the mix of male and female instructors and the tone of the class. “We were encouraged to have fun but also knew when to switch into a more serious mindset to talk about some more uncomfortable topics…. The instructors breaking down barriers and talking about how assault has impacted them or talking about their children relayed that they genuinely wanted to teach us because they are passionate about our well-being.”
SAFE classes are taught by personnel from the Drexel University Police Department, Department of Public Safety, and other Drexel departments who undergo a rigorous training course with emphasis on learning the techniques taught in this class, which are influenced by several forms of martial arts.
“I thought the program was fantastic and that it provided practical and applicable skills,” said Shane Tripp, another participant in the Queen Lane class. “I also appreciated the emphasis on gathering information for use to catch a perpetrator…. The group did a very good job of presenting the resources that are available at Drexel and in Philadelphia for potential victims of assault, mugging, etc.”
Classes are currently being scheduled by request for either individuals or groups. To schedule a session, please contact Linda Moran at lmm467@drexel.edu.
DPS Advisory: Uptick in Motor Vehicle Thefts
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has seen an increase in motor vehicle thefts within and around the University City Campus during the month of March 2022. These incidents occurred at various times throughout the day and evening and in the area from 30th to 36th streets. In most incidents, the vehicles were left unoccupied and running with keys inside.
DPS would like to encourage the community to be alert, take precautions, and report crimes and suspicious activities. Please do also:
- Remember to lock your vehicle, remove your keys from the vehicle, and never leave your car running, even for a quick stop.
- Park in well-lit areas.
- Avoid leaving items, including small change, in view inside your vehicle.
- Remove any electronic equipment mounting devices and power cords, which may alert potential thieves that the vehicle is equipped additional devices. Even if your devices are out of view and secured, a thief will often break into a vehicle to look for the equipment.
If your car is stolen, please remain calm and contact the authorities immediately. Be prepared to provide the year, make, model, color, license plate number, and Vehicle Identification Number for your vehicle.
SAFE classes are taught by personnel from the Drexel University Police Department, Department of Public Safety, and other Drexel departments who undergo a rigorous training course with emphasis on learning the techniques taught in this class, which are influenced by several forms of martial arts.
“I thought the program was fantastic and that it provided practical and applicable skills,” said Shane Tripp, another participant in the Queen Lane class. “I also appreciated the emphasis on gathering information for use to catch a perpetrator…. The group did a very good job of presenting the resources that are available at Drexel and in Philadelphia for potential victims of assault, mugging, etc.”
Classes are currently being scheduled by request for either individuals or groups. To schedule a session, please contact Linda Moran at lmm467@drexel.edu.
Get to Know DPS: Police Officer Dave Hubert
Officer Dave Hubert has been a Drexel Police Officer since 2018, and most recently, he played a key role in developing SAFE, Public Safety’s all-inclusive self-protection program. He also serves as an instructor for the program.
You will generally find Officer Hubert on bicycle patrol in the evenings. His favorite part of the job is having positive interactions with members of the Drexel community. “Communication is the biggest part of breaking down barriers,” said Officer Hubert. “Please take a moment and say hi to all members of the Public Safety community.”
Secure Your Stuff at the Rec Center & Beyond
Drexel Police have seen an increase in laptop thefts from the Recreation Center. Placing your belongings inside an unlocked locker is not enough. You should use both a locker and a padlock to stow personal items when using Recreation Center facilities. Although it takes a few extra seconds to lock and unlock, this small step will help keep your items secure.
All students, faculty and professional staff are also encouraged to register their bikes, skateboards, computers, laptops, cell phones and larger headphones with DPS’ Property Registration Program, which aims to heighten awareness in the community, deter would-be thieves, and provide law enforcement with crime-solving information in the event that your property is stolen.
Alcohol Awareness Resources for You
Drexel Public Safety does not support underage drinking and encourages all students to find alternate ways to have fun while out with their friends. If you are going to consume alcohol, drinking responsibly is encouraged and expected. Check out these responsible drinking strategies from U in the Driver Seat.
Did You Know? Drinks are not only measured by the size of the container they are served in, but also by the amount of alcohol in the beverage. A “standard drink” contains 0.6 fluid ounces or 14 grams of pure alcohol, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). For more alcohol safety information, visit Drexel’s alcohol and drug resources page, NIAAA’s “Rethinking Drinking” website.
Alcohol Emergencies & the Responsible Dragon Amnesty Program
Drexel University's primary concerns are the health and safety of its students. The University is aware that students can be reluctant to seek medical attention in alcohol- and drug-related emergencies out of fear they may face sanctions related to possessing or consuming alcohol or other drugs. The Responsible Dragons Amnesty Program (RDAP) provides amnesty from disciplinary action under the alcohol and drug policies for students or student organizations who seek medical assistance during an alcohol- or drug-related emergency. More information on RDAP can be found in the Student Code of Conduct.
Knowing how to recognize and take action during an alcohol-related emergency could save a life. Alcohol depresses nerves that control involuntary actions such as breathing, heartbeat and gag reflexes that prevent choking. When someone consumes too much alcohol, these functions will eventually stop. If a person seems fine but has consumed dangerous amounts of alcohol, this individual’s Blood Alcohol Content will continue to rise as the body digests, so it is still important to take action.
If you suspect an alcohol emergency, call 215.895.2222 or 911 right away. Please remember that alcohol emergencies are medical emergencies and need to be addressed immediately. Paramedics and law enforcement are on your side and here to help.
Healthy Hearts for Families
Drexel Public Safety recently launched “Healthy Hearts for Families,” with the goal to help fill the pantry at the Ronald McDonald House of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The Public Safety team was successful in donating healthy snacks for the families staying at the House while their children are being treated.
Important Reminders
We’re Here for You When You Need Us
Please call 215.895.2222 immediately if you experience or witness a crime. The Drexel Public Safety Communications Center is staffed 24/7 to serve you, whether 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.