Public Safety & U

Drexel Dragons are not known for staying in place — we are go-getters, and therefore always on the go.

In this issue of PS&U, Drexel Public Safety shares tips to keep you safe from point A to point B (and all the stops in between), whether you’re walking to your destination, driving or ridesharing, biking, or taking public transportation.

Also in this issue: How Drexel will commemorate all fallen officers on Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15).

Stay Vigilant While on the Go: Safety Tips for Commuters

Drexel Public Safety (DPS) offers the following safety tips, guidance and resources for traveling to and from campus, whether by foot or by car, bike or public transit. Remember that you may always report crimes to 911, or to 215.895.222 if you’re on Drexel’s campus. If you think you should call, then do it! Better to be extra safe than in harm’s way.

Bike Safety

Register your bike with Drexel Police at 3219 Arch St.
Report suspicious activity near bike racks.
Have a photo of your bike/property, including serial number.
Lock your bike with a quality U lock and cable. (In case you missed it, Drexel Police’s Sergeant Santiago demonstrated this process in an Instagram video last year!)
Replace quick releases with locking skewers.
For helpful tips and visuals about Philadelphia bike laws, reading the road, navigating city streets and more, check out Bike Nice: the Official Guide to Cycling Safely in Philadelphia [PDF], from the City of Philadelphia and the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.

Pedestrian Safety

The rights and responsibilities of pedestrians vary greatly depending on the situation. It’s important to familiarize yourself with Pennsylvania laws (or the laws in your state) as well as standard safety tips:

LAW: Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If no sidewalk is available, you must walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
TIP: Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach you to make sure you are seen. Cross streets in crosswalks that have a clear ‘walk’ sign if applicable.
LAW: Motorists must yield to pedestrians crossing the street at marked and unmarked intersections; however, the pedestrian must either be within the crosswalk or affirmatively indicate an intent to cross.
TIP: Be visible at all times. At night, wear reflective materials, apply reflective tape and/or use a flashlight.
LAW: Pedestrians shall not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute a hazard.
TIP: Always keep alert. That means putting away your electronic devices so you can stay focused on your path. Walk with confidence, do not keep your head down, and take your walk with a friend if possible, especially at night. If you’re listening to music, use only one earbud.

Remember that you can request a walking escort 24/7 through the Drexel Guardian App or by calling 215.895.2222.

Public Transit Safety

Remain aware of your surroundings. Wait for the train or bus while maintaining distance from the platform or curb, and keep your phone securely stored away.
Be wary of and maintain space from individuals who are: loitering; panhandling; expressing an unusual level of interest in operations, equipment, personnel or facilities; in a private or restricted area of transit property without proper identification or clear purpose; and/or acting in a disorderly manner that alarms others.
Report individuals appearing outwardly dangerous or threatening to 911.
You can find safety tips for all forms of SEPTA transit on their website.

Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) Safety

Order your rideshare while indoors, and do not go outside until your driver arrives.
Before entering the car, check that the license plate, make, model and color of the vehicle match what’s in your app.
Check that the driver matches the photo and name in the app.
Verify that the driver knows your name. If they do not say your name explicitly, DO NOT get into the vehicle, and leave the area immediately.

Vehicle Safety

Have your key ready when you approach your parked vehicle, and check to make sure no one is hiding around or inside your car.
If you must carry valuables, keep them out of sight before you get to campus. Do not leave anything valuable in a parked car; remove GPS mounts as well as any wires or loose change.
While on the road, be mindful of speed limits and other sign designations.
Wear your seatbelt, no matter the distance you are driving. Make sure your mirrors and seat are adjusted properly before you depart.
Remember to practice defensive driving and be alert of your surroundings at all times. For detailed safety tips and rules regarding aggressive driving, distracted driving, pedestrian safety, work zone safety, and much more, please visit PennDOT’s website.
Before leaving your parked car, always remove the keys, roll up the windows, lock the car, and check your surroundings. If you park on the street, choose a well-lit, open space.
If possible, have a car alarm installed on your vehicle.
If you see a parked vehicle requiring assistance, do not stop. Call for aid.
If you are deliberately forced to stop your vehicle, lock the doors, roll up the windows, and sound the horn for help. If you are followed or harassed by someone in another vehicle, drive to a police department, fire station, or open business and seek help. Do not drive into your driveway or park in a deserted area.

For more safety tips and information about traveling to and from Philly, check out Ready Set Philly’s PDF Toolkit.

Peace Officers Memorial Day

May 11–17 is National Police Week, during which Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15) occurs. At this time annually, we pay special recognition to local, state and federal law enforcement officers who have lost their lives or sustained disabling injury in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

During the 34^th Annual Candlelight Vigil, 619 names will be engraved on the walls of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., representing officers who died in the line of duty. The event will be livestreamed on May 13 at 8 p.m. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund has more information about this event and other ways to observe National Police Week.

Livestream the May 13 vigil on the official webpage, Facebook or YouTube.

Get to Know DPS: Bike Patrol Officers Dan Quigley and Jack Orth

Officer Quigley (left) and Officer Orth (right) engage with and protect the community each day on bike patrol.

With over 20 years of law enforcement experience, Drexel University Police Officer Dan Quigley has been with the University for 12 years. His main role is the protection and safety of Drexel’s students, faculty and professional staff. Dan enjoys patrolling and engaging with the local community. While not at work, he likes spending time with his family, especially his two children, both of whom have attended Drexel. Dan believes that Drexel’s campus is a safe environment, and he urges everyone to always be aware of their surroundings, stay in groups (especially at night), and utilize DPS’ walking escorts when possible.

Officer Jack Orth came to Drexel Public Safety 12 years ago with a combined 22 years of prior experience with Philadelphia and SEPTA Police. Jack understands that the police are often the first interaction for individuals after being in a traumatic experience, so he appreciates being able to de-escalate situations by offering a calm environment and assisting in finding the best possible solutions. Although he usually brings his lunch to work, Jack enjoys treating himself to the “Chicken & Noodles” dish from Andy’s Lunch Truck on Arch Street. He also enjoys traveling with his family, a highlight being his 30^th wedding anniversary trip to Bora Bora. Like Officer Quigley, Officer Orth urges the community to remain alert and aware of their surroundings while on the move (not looking down at your phone!), as crime can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time.

Community Commitments

Cookies With Cops

Stop by the next Cookies With Cops! Join Public Safety for a chance to interact with Drexel police officers while enjoying some refreshments and conversation to break up your day. The next event will be held May 11 from 4:30-6 p.m. on the southeast corner of 33^rd and Arch streets, next to Buckley Field entrance.

Be Prepared, Not Scared, With “Your Safety Is Our Goal”

Join the Public Safety team for “Your Safety Is Our Goal,” an engaging community training on situational preparedness, happening monthly on Zoom. The next sessions are on May 17 at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. Register on Qualtrics. If you have a community or group you would like DPS 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.

Self-Awareness for Everyone (SAFE)

Public Safety’s self-protection program, SAFE, aims to give Drexel students, faculty, and staff the practical skills, resources, and knowledge to increase their personal safety and protect themselves 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. Classes are currently being scheduled by request for either individuals or groups. To schedule a session, please contact Linda Moran at lmm467@drexel.edu for more information. You can also sign up for one of DPS’ summer-term classes (July 7 or August 9, 5-9 p.m.) on Qualtrics.

Important Reminders

We’re Here for You When You Need Us

Please call 215.895.2222 immediately if you experience or witness a crime. Public Safety’s 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.

Drexel Guardian is an app with a one-touch dialing feature to call for help or activate a GPS locator during an emergency, which allows the Drexel Communications Center to immediately locate and assist you. Drexel Guardian will not track you nor share your information unless you initiate an emergency. To download the app, search for “Rave Guardian” in the app store or Google Play store.

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.