Welcome from Chief of Police, VP of Public Safety, Mel Singleton
On behalf of the entire Department of Public Safety, I warmly welcome you to campus and congratulate you on embarking on this remarkable journey. Whether you are a first-year student or returning after a well-deserved break, I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the resources our department offers. More importantly, I urge you to get to know us. Our team, composed of police officers, security officers, dispatchers, fire and emergency services, technology, and administrative staff, is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. Many of us have children who are also Drexel students, and we are committed to your success and safety as if you were our own. We are here to serve our community, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility, and we need your cooperation to be our best. Best of luck as you begin this new academic year, and I look forward to seeing you on campus!
Back-to-Campus Safety Tips and Reminders
As we welcome new and returning students onto campus, the August edition of Public Safety & U started you off on the right foot with some valuable safety resources, including how to turn your phone into a safety device, ways to safeguard your property and how to stay attune to alert notifications. But why stop there? Read further for additional ways to keep yourself safe on campus, and watch this informative public safety video on YouTube!
Contact a Walking Escort for Extra Security on the Go
Drexel Public Safety (DPS) encourages everyone to take advantage of the 24/7 walking escorts offered by our security officers. If you’re traveling alone on campus and don’t feel safe, you can call DPS to accompany you.
Make Note of Campus Emergency Phones
Strategically placed throughout campus, Drexel’s emergency telephones automatically contact the Drexel University Public Safety Communications Center and will identify the caller’s exact location. These phones can be used in the event of an emergency, and to request a walking escort.
Fire Safety & Evacuation Info
Fire safety is critical for everyone to be aware of, especially if this is your first time away from home and you’re responsible for cooking your own meals. It is important to pay attention when you cook:
- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.
- If you must leave the room even for a short period of time, turn off the stove.
- Turn off all burners and ovens when you finish cooking.
- Never pour water on a grease fire.
Evacuation procedures and fire drills are an important part of your safety while on campus. Pay attention to the evacuation procedures posted in all University buildings for specific instructions and rally points. More importantly, when you hear the fire alarm sound, evacuation is required. Leave the building quickly and quietly and proceed in an orderly manner to the designated assembly area. A University official will give you an “all-clear” indicating when you can return to your building.
Take a Prevention Course With DPS
DPS offers many prevention programs to help keep you safe on campus. Please request any of the following courses today:
- Self-Awareness for Everyone (SAFE): Drexel’s self-protection courses are open to any student, faculty or professional staff member looking to develop skills for fostering their personal safety. SAFE I classes are offered the second Monday of every month, and SAFE II the fourth Monday of every month; you can register on EventBrite, or request another date for your group. Due to the hands-on nature of the class, it is strongly recommended that you register with a fellow Dragon. Participation in the techniques is recommended, but not required. Watch a class in action in this video feature created by Drexel students. Please note that SAFE is offered in two parts, and you must complete part one to register for part two.
- Your Safety Is Our Goal: This virtual workshop is a great way to learn how to stay aware of your surroundings and always be prepared, not scared, when moving through the city.
- Fire & Emergency Services, Emergency Preparedness: Offered by request, these tailored, data-driven awareness and training programs address how to prevent and respond to fires, medical emergencies, elevator entrapments, power outages, gas leaks, and other emergencies.
- Public Safety & U Workplace Safety Program: This educational program can be customized to address the unique security challenges of your unit.
Keep Campus Buildings Secure and Avoid “Piggybacking”
“Piggybacking,” also known as “tailgating,” is the act of following someone into a locked building without swiping an access card or using a key. What can you do to prevent tailgating?
- Always swipe your DragonCard to enter a campus building; don’t expect or ask others to hold the door for you. This will help to establish the norm of swiping our cards to access buildings every time. Always remember to keep your ID with you. If you forgot or lost your DragonCard, follow the procedures outlined on the DragonCard website.
- Don’t hold locked doors open for others to follow behind you. The potential consequences of someone getting into a Drexel building or residence are much worse than politely declining to let someone follow you through a door, even if they tell you they lost their ID.
- Report suspicious individuals trying to gain access by calling Drexel Public Safety at 215.895.2222 immediately.
Is This a Scam?: Red Flags to Look Out for
As the new academic year begins, it’s important to be aware of potential scams targeting the college community. The following tips will help you stay vigilant and protect yourself from getting scammed:
- Unsolicited Phone Calls and Emails: Be cautious of unexpected job offers, scholarships or financial aid opportunities that come through phone calls or emails. Scammers often use these tactics to steal personal information or money.
- Job Offer Scams: Verify the legitimacy of any job offer by researching the company and contacting them directly through official channels. Be wary of offers that seem too good to be true.
- Impersonation Phone Calls: Scammers may pose as University officials, government agencies or even family members to extract personal information or money. Always verify the caller’s identity by contacting the organization or family member directly using a trusted number.
- Other Common Scams: Stay vigilant against phishing attempts, fake rental listings and fraudulent online sales. Always verify who you’re communicating with or that you’re using a trusted source.
- Resources to Help: University resources regarding phishing and spam can be found on the IT website. If you encounter any suspicious activity, contact the Drexel Police at 215.895.2222. Do not rely on contact information provided in suspicious messages.
Joseph Porter.
Get to Know Us: Dispatcher Joseph Porter
DPS’ newest dispatcher, Joseph Porter, was able to get a glimpse into the public safety field prior to joining the Drexel team, as he spent time with the Philadelphia Police Explorers Program. Joseph knew from that moment forward, he wanted to be a helpful member of his community.
“Drexel has given me the space to assist members of my community during what could be considered their most vulnerable time of need,” Joseph shared.
In his short time with Drexel so far, Joseph had the opportunity to participate in DPS’ National Night Out event and meet some of the people within the Drexel community, and he is looking forward to building more relationships.
Joseph also wanted to share this quote from Henry Ford: "Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success."
Community Commitments
Public Safety Seeks Your Feedback
Share comments, concerns and commendations regarding Drexel Public Safety's engagement in the service community, delivery of public safety services, and overall candidacy and compliance with its continued accredited status from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). You can add comments on both the Drexel Police (DUPD) portal and the Drexel Public Safety Communications Center (DUPSCC) portal. Portals will be open until Oct. 11. Thank you for your participation!
Stop by Public Safety Day(s) Oct. 1-2 for Treats and Camaraderie
This year DPS will be hosting events over two days! The first event will be at the Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships on Oct. 1, a family fun event as we partner with the Dornsife community to kick-off their 10th anniversary celebration! Day two will begin on the morning of Oct. 2 with National Coffee With a Cop festivities, followed by the Public Safety Fair on Perelman Plaza. Stay tuned to our social media channels (@DrexelDPS on X and @drexelpublicsafety on Instagram) for more information.
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