In this issue: How to request a walking escort; how to keep your packages safe from theft; how to safely store and secure your e-scooter; and lots of opportunities to connect with Drexel University’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) and your community this holiday season.
Walking Escorts: What to Know and What to Expect
Now that it’s getting darker out much earlier, DPS would like to remind the community of their robust walking escort offerings.
Upon request, Public Safety security officers provide walking escorts for Drexel students, faculty and professional staff within our patrol boundaries and beyond. Available hours for this service vary by campus location. Below you will find the answers to commonly asked questions related to the walking escort service.
Where and when are walking escorts available, and how do I request one?
University City Campus
- Chestnut Street to Spring Garden Street between 30th and 36th streets
- Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- Call 215.895.2222, use the , call from any blue-light emergency phone on campus, or ask any Drexel Public Safety officer on patrol
Center City Campus
- Vine Street to JFK Boulevard between 16th and Broad streets
- Monday–Friday, from 6-10 p.m.
- Call 267.359.2334
University City District
- Spring Garden Street and Market Street to Woodland Avenue between 30th and 50th streets
- Daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Call 215.387.3942
Mantua Neighborhood
- Spring Garden Street to Wallace Street between 31st and 40th streets
- Daily from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m.
- Call 215.895.2222, call from any blue-light emergency phone on campus, or ask any Drexel Public Safety officer on patrol.
When and why should I call for a walking escort?
Whether you’re new to the community, have a physical impairment, feel unsafe or uncertain walking on campus, or simply prefer not to walk alone at night, this service is for you.
Never think that you are inconveniencing us by calling. Drexel Public Safety’s security officers are here to help and always happy to ensure your safe arrival. Your safety and comfort are paramount.
What happens when I call to request a walking escort?
1. Request and dispatch: The dispatcher will ask for your name, current location and a callback number so they can quickly dispatch an officer to you.
2. Hang tight — your escort is on the way: It’s best to wait indoors if possible and try not to move from the location you provide when you call. If that spot is a blue-light emergency phone, stay near the monitored callbox, or just tell the dispatcher exactly where you will be waiting. Moving from your location could cause delays and confusion.
3. Confirmation of arrival: The dispatcher will call you back to confirm that your escort officer has arrived at your location.
4. The meet-up: Step out and look for the security officer in the easily identifiable yellow security uniform.
5. Customizable for your comfort level: Officers first introduce themselves by name and confirm your intended destination. It’s not out of the ordinary for our officers to strike up a friendly conversation during the walk, but if you prefer, they will walk a short distance behind you, ensuring your comfort levels are met. They understand that even a safety escort is a new face, and they strive to build trust quickly.
Community Commitments: Donate to the Military Care Package Drive and More
Donate Non-Perishables and Other Supplies to Military Families
Public Safety is partnering with the Center for Military and Veteran Services to collect non-refrigerated products that are in boxes, cans or plastic bottles and donate them to families of active-duty service members.
You can drop off donations Nov. 11–Dec. 1 at:
- Main Building, Suite 106 or 225, 3141 Chestnut St.
- Drexel Police Headquarters, 3219 Arch St.
- Korman Center, 15 S. 33rd St.
- Lindy Center for Civic Engagement, 3210 Cherry St.
- Drexel Recreation Center, 3301 Market St.
- Health Sciences Building (2nd floor / common area), 60 N. 36th St.
Then, on Dec. 3, help wrap care packages for families at the Recreation Center lobby from 9:30–11 a.m. For more information, visit the care package drive event listing.
Sign Up for a SAFE Class — November Class Still Available
Public Safety’s self-protection program, SAFE, aims to give Drexel students, faculty and staff practical skills, resources and knowledge to increase their personal safety and protect themselves in an unsafe situation. These three-hour, hands-on classes are offered on specific Tuesdays and Saturdays each month. Sign up for the following classes by emailing dpssafe@drexel.edu. You can also request a class if you have a larger group that you would like to schedule outside of these monthly class dates. The Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. course still has spots available! Other scheduled winter courses are listed below:
- Dec. 2, 5–8 p.m.
- Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Jan. 6, 5–8 p.m.
- Jan. 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join DPS at Dornsife Center’s Monthly Dinner
Drexel’s Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships hosts a community dinner on the second Tuesday of each month. The event is family-friendly, free and open to the public. Stop by DPS’ resource table when you attend each month’s event. General safety information will be provided to all attendees, as well as our refurbished bike giveaways. The next scheduled dinners are on Nov. 11 and Dec. 9.
Start Your Morning With Cookies, Cocoa and Cops Nov. 20
Grab a sweet treat before Thanksgiving break at Cookies (and Cocoa) With Cops, Nov. 20 9:30–11:30 a.m on Korman Quad. We’re thankful to be part of a great campus community and for the opportunity to keep Dragons safe — let us know what you’re thankful for!
Protect Your Holiday Packages From Porch Pirates
Get ready for a safe and fun holiday delivery season! Follow these quick tips to ensure your purchases arrive safely at your door.
- Enable carrier notifications to receive real-time updates. Carriers like FedEx and UPS offer convenient text or email alerts, so you'll know exactly when your package is scheduled for delivery and receive confirmation when it arrives.
- Choose a secure delivery location if you aren’t home. Ask a trusted neighbor or use services such as a P.O. Box, UPS store or Amazon locker. The less time your package is sitting outside, the lower chance of porch pirates striking.
- Request signature confirmation to prevent unauthorized deliveries. FedEx and UPS offer this user-friendly feature, and for U.S. Postal Service deliveries, be sure to arrange the signature requirement in advance.
- Buying, selling or trading items found online? Make the exchange at Drexel University Police Department’s Safe Transaction Space, located at Drexel's Police Headquarters, 3219 Arch St., for added safety.
How to Safely Charge and Secure Your e-Bike
Do not charge your e-bike or e-scooter inside Drexel buildings. The Office of Fire and Emergency Services prohibits charging e-bikes and e-scooters indoors. Park responsibly outdoors.
Do not lock your device to trees, railings or other property. Secure your device using the designated scooter racks across campus. To learn how to properly secure your e-scooter with a U-lock, check out the related Drexel Public Safety Instagram reel. Be advised that thefts of vehicles, including e-scooters, remain a persistent issue around the University City Campus.
Welcome to DPS, Willaya Fox!
The newest member of the Drexel University Public Safety Communications Center (DUPSCC) is Dispatcher Willaya Fox. She brings valuable experience in customer service and has demonstrated strong skills in being helpful, dependable and mission focused. In addition to her professional background, Fox honorably served in the National Guard and was stationed at the Drexel University Armory, further strengthening her connection to the Drexel community and her continued commitment to service.
Over the next few weeks, Fox will be completing onboarding and training under the guidance of our training staff. As our team continues to grow, ensuring that every member receives thorough and high-quality training is essential to maintaining the standard of excellence expected within the Communications Center. Training is not just a requirement; it is a cornerstone of our success, our preparedness and our service to the community.
Public Safety is excited to have Fox on board and looks forward to her growth and contributions to the team.
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: 445.221.5436
Walking Escorts
215.895.2222