Join the Drexel University Police Department for National Coffee with a Cop Day on Oct. 7 outside Greek from Greece,. from 8:30–10:30 a.m.
Safety is a shared responsibility, and it is imperative that all Dragons work together to create and sustain a safe environment. Whether this is your first term on campus or you’ve recently returned after a break, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the important Drexel Public Safety tools and services that are available to all members of the Drexel community, including a 24/7 dispatch center, the Drexel Guardian app, walking escorts, mental health supports and more. Plus: Just in time for Fire Prevention Week, get to know Drexel’s new Director of Fire and Emergency Services.
3 Ways to Use Your Phone as a Safety Device
1. Save Drexel Public Safety in Your Contacts: Store 215.2222 in your phone and label it Drexel Public Safety (DPS). This number connects you to the DPS Communications Center, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist with emergencies, walking escort requests, and reports of crime or suspicious activity. You can find additional emergency and non-emergency numbers to add to your contact list on the DPS website.
2. Confirm Your DrexelALERT Information: DrexelALERT is the University's emergency notification system that distributes critical information to students, faculty and professional staff via text and email. All students are automatically enrolled to receive text alerts for their primary campus, but it is important to keep your contact information current. To confirm or update your information:
- Log in to DrexelOne.
- Select the Welcome
- Select DrexelALERT under the Safety, Security and Support
- Update your contact information and select Submit.
3. Download the Drexel Guardian App: The free Drexel Guardian app is available for Android and Apple devices and turns your phone into a personalized safety tool. Features include: one-touch emergency communication; emergency GPS locator; safety timer; and Guardian management and messaging for family members, roommates, friends and any others you select.
Don’t Walk Alone
A walking escort is a trained security professional who will accompany you so you don’t have to walk alone. Here’s how to request one from various locations:
- Within Drexel Patrol Boundaries, 24/7 (30th to 36th streets and Chestnut to Spring Garden streets): Call 215.895.2222, use a blue-light emergency telephone, or asking any public safety officer on patrol
- Mantua Neighborhood, 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. (Spring Garden Street to Wallace Street between 31st and 40th Streets): Call 215.895.2222
- Center City Campus, 24/7 (Vine Street to JFK Boulevard and 16th Street to Broad Street): Call 215.895.2222
- University City District (UCD), 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. (30th to 42nd streets from Spring Garden Street to Woodland Avenue): Call UCD at 215.387.3942.
More Ways to Request an Escort: You can also request a Drexel walking escort within the Guardian app AND through any blue emergency call towers around campus.
Secure Your Stuff
Most crimes on campus are unattended thefts. If you can’t keep your personal items with you or secured at all times, please safeguard your valuables by taking these simple steps:
- Always lock and never prop doors or hold doors open for others; all members of the Drexel community should swipe their DragonCard to access campus buildings.
- Register your valuables with Drexel Public Safety's free property registration program at Police Headquarters, 3219 Arch St.
- If you need a safe, public space in which to meet someone to complete an online transaction, you can use the front lobby of the Drexel University Police Station (3219 Arch St.), which is under 24-hour video surveillance and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- When visiting the Recreation Center, use the lockers provided and purchase a lock to ensure your belongings remain safe and secure. An unlocked locker is an advertisement for theft.
Prevention Begins With a Connection
A message from Victim Services Coordinator Amy Spiller and Executive Director of Counseling Tania Czarnecki:
As we look beyond National Suicide Prevention Month, we urge the Drexel community to continue to raise awareness, reduce stigma and remind one another that help is available. Suicide can be preventable, and everyone has a role to play in prevention. Conversations rooted in compassion, timely support and access to care can make the difference. We implore you to keep the conversations going.
Many people who experience suicidal thoughts do not want their lives to end. They want their emotional pain, feelings of isolation and hopelessness to stop. That distinction matters. It reminds us to respond without judgement and to focus on helping someone feel seen, heard and connected. It can start with a caring response and some simple actions.
Take note of warning signs, changes in mood, increased substance use, and hopeless statements. Ask directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” Don’t try to solve everything. You don’t have to promise that everything will be okay or know exactly what to say next. It’s important to validate their feelings, acknowledge their emotional experience, and use active listening. And t is important to connect individuals with help. Stay with them and connect them with a family member, faith leader or health care provider. If they are in imminent crisis, connect them with the Counseling Center or 24/7 Crisis Line at 215.416.3337, or the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
Let us remember that prevention begins with connection. A sincere question and a willingness to listen and stay present may be the first steps toward hope.
Director of Fire and Emergency Services Derrick Sawyer.
Introducing Drexel’s New Director of Fire and Emergency Services
Derrick J. V. Sawyer has joined the Drexel Public Safety team as director of Fire and Emergency Services. Derrick is a nationally respected fire service leader, educator and speaker with more than 34 years of public safety experience. His career has focused on leadership, innovation, community risk reduction and developing the next generation of public safety leaders.
Throughout his career, Sawyer has served in senior roles, including fire commissioner for the Philadelphia Fire Department, leading more than 2,400 firefighters and EMTs in one of the nation’s largest departments. He has also served as fire director for Trenton’s Fire and Emergency Services, fire chief for Upper Darby Township in Pennsylvania, contract instructor at the National Fire Academy, and as a member of the leadership team of Penn State Extension’s Rural and Urban Leadership (RULE) program.
A sought-after speaker, Sawyer has presented at major conferences, including Fire-Rescue International, the National Fire Protection Association Expo and Vision 20/20. His expertise includes strategic planning, crisis leadership, community engagement and effective leadership.
A lifelong learner, Sawyer holds an associate’s degree in fire science, a bachelor’s in public safety administration and a master’s in homeland security. He is also a graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy and the Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Education.
Today, Sawyer challenges leaders to think deeply, serve selflessly and build resilient organizations rooted in trust and compassion. His message is both timeless and urgent: True leadership is not about rank or position; it’s about service, courage and commitment.
You’re invited to the Drexel Public Safety Fair on Perelman Plaza on Oct. 28, from noon to 2 p.m.
Community Commitments
Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 4–10, 2026. This year’s theme — “Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging Is a Superpower” — focuses on the everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep homes and communities safer. Look for DPS’ pop-up resource tables this week on campus and follow us on Instagram @drexelpublicsafety for more fire prevention tips!
National Coffee With a Cop Day: Join the Drexel University Police Department for Coffee with Cops on Oct. 7 between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Sponsored by Greek from Greece, 107 N. 33rd St. Stop by for a coffee to go and friendly conversation!
Public Safety Fair: Join DPS, university and community partners on Oct. 28 from noon to 2 p.m. at Perelman Plaza (32nd Street between Market and Chestnut streets). Meet the DPS team and our partners, visit resource tables, enjoy giveaways and snacks — all while obtaining valuable safety information!
We’re 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.
Additional University resources:
- Report Harassment, Discrimination, or Sexual Misconduct through the Office of Civil Rights Compliance.
- Counseling Services are available through the Office of Counseling and Health.
Emergency Numbers:
215.895.2222 or 911
TTY: 445.221.5436