For many, summer is a time for slowing down — but not for Drexel Public Safety (DPS). In addition to maintaining the same level of vigilance and services the department provides all year round, DPS is planning a bigger and better community event for National Night Out on Aug. 1. Mark your calendars and read on for tips to keep you safe all summer long. Plus: Meet Drexel University’s new Deputy Chief of Police.
Summer Safety at Drexel
Although many Dragons leave campus for the summer, Public Safety maintains the same presence as it always does throughout Drexel’s patrol boundaries, which extend from 30th Street to 36th Street (east to west) and Spring Garden Street to Chestnut Street (north to south). The Drexel Public Safety Communications Center continues to operate 24/7, and services like walking escorts and shuttle buses remain fully available.
Public safety is a shared responsibility, and there are many ways for the Drexel community to take part. Familiarize yourself with the resources and tips described below and stay in touch! You are encouraged to follow DPS on Twitter and Instagram, provide feedback to the department or to the DPS Oversight Committee, and — of course — report crime or suspicious activity in a timely manner. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in DrexelOne so that you will receive DrexelALERTs when they’re issued.
How to Contact Public Safety This Summer — and Always
- Emergency Numbers: Call 911 or Drexel Public Safety at 215.895.2222. Add this number to your phone contacts.
- Drexel Guardian: This free app allows you to rapidly connect with and provide information to DPS during an emergency.
- Emergency Blue Light Telephones: If you observe a potential safety hazard, require assistance, notice suspicious activity, feel unsafe or need a walking escort, you can reach DPS directly through any emergency phone on campus. Just press the button and a dispatcher will answer.
- Walking Escorts: Request a walking escort at any time 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 215.895.2222. For details on the process, read the October 2022 issue of Public Safety & U. University City District Ambassadors also provide escorts from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. between 30th Street and 42nd Street, from Wallace Street to Woodland Avenue, and between 42nd Street to 50th Street, from Market Street to Woodland Avenue. To request a walking escort from University City District, call 215.387.3942.
- Victim Services: Call 215.895.6921 or 267.542.3569 to reach DPS’ Victim Services Coordinator, who provides support and services to students and employees who are victims of any type of crime.
Where to Go for Health and Well-being Support
Summer may be a more relaxing time of year, but that doesn’t mean it’s without mental or physical health concerns. There are resources available to you in both emergency and non-emergency situations.
- Medical Care for Students on Campus: Call 215.220.4700 for information, support, to schedule an appointment or to speak with an on-call provider.
- Counseling for Students: Call 215.895.1415 for information, support, to schedule an appointment or to speak with an on-call provider. If a student is in crisis, they may contact the on-call counselor at 215.416.3337. Graduate students also have access to Drexel’s Employee Assistance Program.
- Faculty and Professional Staff Mental Health Resources: Drexel Human Resources’ website has a resource page detailing the many mental health services and supports available to employees.
How to Reduce Your Risk
- Stay alert and reduce distractions that limit your awareness like using cellphones, ear buds, etc.
- Know where you are (street address, building evacuation route, etc.).
- Keep your property and vehicle(s) locked; do not leave valuables visible.
- Brush up on fire safety, or request a training by calling 215.895.5908.
- Participate in SAFE self-protection classes or one of DPS’ other prevention programs, all of which you can request for your group.)
- Stay informed by reading DPS’ crime reports, safety tips, safety notices and advisories and more on the Public Safety website.
Hot Summer Safety Topics
July Is Vehicle Theft Prevention Month
Public Safety, along with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), urges you to keep the following tips in mind wherever your summer travels take you.
- Use common sense when parking and exiting your vehicle.
- Do not leave it your vehicle’s key in or on your vehicle.
- Close and lock all windows and doors when you park.
- Park in well-lit areas, if possible.
- Never leave valuables in your vehicle, especially if they can be seen from outside the vehicle.
- Thieves target vehicle parts, too. Be mindful of how long you park your car on the street unattended.
Celebrate Summer Holidays Responsibly
Fireworks usage increases during the summer months, and an extreme percentage of injuries occur in the weeks before and after the July holiday. Don’t become a casualty this summer: Please think twice before using fireworks and sparklers to celebrate, but if you do, use caution and use them legally.
Staying Safe While Keeping Cool in the Water
Recreational water safety should be at the top of everyone’s list this summer. Whether your water exposure is confined to a pool or expands to lakes and oceans, being informed could save a life! Each water environment poses its own risks, and specific precautions should be taken. The American Red Cross offers first aid, CPR and water safety courses for you and your family, as well as the tips below:
- Always swim with a buddy.
- Do not consume drugs or alcohol before or during these activities.
- When boating, fishing or jet skiing, wear an approved life jacket.
- Swim in a lifeguarded area.
- Follow all posted signs on the beach, including avoiding the water when rip currents are strong and swimming after hours.
- Know the signs that someone is drowning.
Get to Know Us! Deputy Chief LaMonte Adams
LaMonte Adams joined Drexel’s Department of Public Safety three months ago as the deputy chief of police and director of investigations. He said his favorite part of the job during his short time with the University so far has been engaging with those in the surrounding community, including students, professional staff, vendors, store owners and the DPS personnel.
As a fun fact, Adams shared his experience traveling and studying for three months in Bangkok, Thailand, at Chulalongkorn University. He had been awarded a scholarship through Rotary International’s Peace Fellowship, Conflict Resolution Program, which provided him the opportunity to engage with 21 people from 10 different countries, which was to him the most rewarding portion of the program. He says learning about the various cultures and their personal experiences, both good and challenging, was so impactful, and he will never forget it.
Adams shared a message to the University community: “Awareness and common sense are your first line of defense. Pay attention to your surroundings, pay attention to people’s hands. Generally, anyone with ill intent will have to use their hands to harm you. Baseline behavior is an accepted, civil behavior in each environment. Be aware of anomalies or oddities in people’s behavior or in an area. If you identify these issues, place as much distance between you and the individual or area, as quickly as you can.”
Happy Retirement to Dr. Marla Gold
The Department of Public Safety sends sincere well wishes to Drexel’s Senior Vice Provost for Community Health and Chief Wellness Officer Marla Gold, MD, on her retirement. Gold led the implementation of key recommendations from 21CP Solutions, including development of the DPS Workload and Crime Dashboard and the creation of the Drexel Public Safety Oversight Committee. You can learn more about the progress made to-date in a recent article about the Oversight Committee published on DrexelNews. Thank you for your leadership, insight and guidance!
Community Commitments
National Night Out – Aug. 1
National Night Out (NNO) is an annual community-building campaign that promotes strong police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live and work. NNO enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community and offers an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. And it’s coming to Drexel this August from 5–9 p.m. on Aug. 1 at Lancaster Walk! Bring your roommates, neighbors, colleagues and family for an evening of resources and fun interactive activities.
Two-part Self-Protection Course, SAFE
Public Safety’s self-protection program, Self-Awareness for Everyone (SAFE), is split into two sessions: SAFE I and SAFE II. Due to the hands-on nature of the class, we strongly recommend you register with a fellow Dragon! Participation in the techniques is recommended, but not required. Registration is required 72 hours prior to the class. You can register via Eventbrite for these classes. These classes are also available by request for your group.
- SAFE I classes will be offered the second week of every month on Monday and Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. Upcoming classes are on July 10, July 12, Aug. 9 and Aug. 14.
- SAFE II classes will be offered the fourth week of every month on Monday and Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. and cannot be taken until you have completed SAFE I. Upcoming classes are on July 24, July 26, Aug. 23 and Aug. 28.
Additional DPS Educational Programs
You can request any of the other presentations and trainings offered by Drexel Public Safety by completing the Request a Presentation Form.
We Are Here for You When You Need Us
Please call 215.895.2222 immediately if you experience or witness a crime. Drexel’s Public Safety 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. You can also contact DPS through the Drexel Guardian app. 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.