While we always think of spring as a time for new beginnings and brighter days, this year’s will certainly be different. With most of the University working from home, students starting a new term online and social events put on hold, our routines have dramatically changed. However, Drexel Public Safety’s mission remains the same: We are on campus ensuring the protection of essential personnel and the safety of the campus.
Dispatchers
With 20 full-time and four part-time dispatchers, the Drexel University Public Safety Communications Center acts as the eyes and ears for all campus activity. It serves as the crucial link between the University community and all services provided by Public Safety, Drexel Police and the Philadelphia police and fire departments. This centralized Communications Center is staffed 24 hours per day, seven days per week by dispatchers who are certified by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials. They are the ones who respond when you call 215.895.2222 or use your Drexel Guardian mobile app.
The week of April 12–18 is this year’s National Public Safety Telecommunicator’s Week (NPSTW), during which we recognize our dispatchers for their hard work, diligence, and dedication in serving the public. During this time of social distancing, in-person celebrations are postponed, but we encourage everyone to use the hashtag #npstw2020 to share a social media thank-you to our Drexel dispatchers. Let’s applaud our dispatchers here at Drexel, as well as those working across the country and make NPSTW 2020 a memorable one!
24/7 Patrols
Drexel Police and Allied Universal Security Officers continue to patrol our buildings and streets despite the campus being closed to the public. Increased security checks have been implemented for campus structures, including all stores, restaurants and other buildings. Students unable to leave campus due to travel restrictions will see these officers in residence halls as they normally would, assisting with any safety issues that arise. Additionally, Drexel Police are working longer hours with extra emphasis on foot patrols. To proactively limit the spread of COVID-19, Drexel Police are adhering to city and state orders by enforcing social distancing and monitoring any gatherings across campus.
Police Headquarters at 3219 Arch St. remains open for anyone who needs to file a complaint in person. (Drexel also has several avenues for you to report issues online or by phone.) Individuals can be assured that procedures are in place that prioritize the health of both our community and our officers.
Safety Tips:
- Even during a worldwide pandemic, criminals don’t rest. Please be aware of scams regarding the delivery of your federal stimulus payments. Don’t provide any personal information, including bank account and Social Security numbers, over the phone. For information regarding the status of checks, please visit irs.gov/coronavirus.
- Please adhere to local and federal guidelines regarding social distancing. Drexel’s Response to Coronavirus website also has useful resources, tips and Q&As with University experts.
- Public Safety urges everyone to take a few minutes to download the Drexel Guardian app. If you download the app onto your mobile phone, a GPS locator is activated during self-initiated emergency communications. Dispatchers in the Communications Center can then use Drexel Guardian to locate and assist you. But if you’re living away from campus at the moment, it’s best to dial 911 in an emergency for rapid local response.
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.