How to Stay Safe While Exploring Campus and the City

Welcome From Vice President of Public Safety and Chief of Police Mel Singleton

On behalf of the entire Department of Public Safety (DPS), I extend a warm welcome to all Dragons as we begin the new academic year. To our new Dragons - congratulations on beginning this exciting new chapter! And whether you're starting your journey as a first-year student or returning after a well-deserved break, I encourage you to explore the various resources our department provides. More importantly, I invite you to get to know us. Our dedicated team - including police officers, security officers, dispatchers, fire and emergency services, technology specialists and administrative staff - works tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, faculty and professional staff. Many of us are parents of Drexel students (and even attend Drexel classes ourselves), and we approach your safety and success with the same care and commitment we would for our own families. We are here to support you, so please don't hesitate to reach out if you ever need assistance. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility, and your cooperation is essential to making our campus the safest it can be. I urge you to familiarize yourself with my community message, in which I provided important public safety updates and reminders. Wishing you the best of luck as you begin this new academic year, and I look forward to seeing you around campus!

How to Stay Safe While Exploring Campus and the City

As a follow-up to the August edition of Public Safety & U, which covered emergency communication tools and tips for protecting your belongings, here are some more tips and resources to help you stay safe and keep your community safe as you explore campus and the city of Philadelphia. You can watch and share this helpful public safety video on YouTube for more safety information.

Utilize a Walking Escort

Public Safety security officers provide 24/7 walking escorts if you're traveling alone on campus and within Drexel's patrol boundaries and don't feel safe. Don't hesitate to contact us at 215.895.2222 or request an escort through the Drexel Guardian app.

Avoid "Piggybacking" to Ensure Buildings Are Secure

"Piggybacking," or "tailgating," refers to the act of following someone into a locked building without using an access card or key. Public Safety discourages piggybacking, as it bypasses the security measures and access verification designed to protect our community.

Here's how you can help prevent piggybacking:

• Always use your DragonCard to enter campus buildings; don't rely on others to hold the door for you. This helps reinforce the habit of swiping your card each time you enter a building. Be sure to carry your ID with you. If you've lost or forgotten your DragonCard, follow the steps outlined on the DragonCard website.
• Avoid holding doors open for others, even if they claim to have lost their ID. The risks of allowing unauthorized access far outweigh the courtesy of letting someone through, as this action could compromise the safety of Drexel buildings or residences. It might seem polite to hold the door - but it is a serious safety risk.
• If you notice anyone suspicious attempting to gain access without proper authorization, contact Drexel Public Safety immediately at 215.895.2222.

Take a Free Safety Course With DPS

Drexel Public Safety 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. 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. SAFE classes are offered monthly or by request.
• 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.

Avoid Scams via Phone, Email, Social Media and More

As the new academic year begins, it's important to be aware of potential scams targeting the college community. Phone and email scams are more prevalent than ever. Scammers often pose as government officials or other authoritative figures, threatening legal action or demanding money and personal information. It's crucial to recognize the signs of these scams and follow these tips for avoiding scams of all kinds. Take appropriate actions to protect yourself. If you believe you have been a victim of a scam and have provided personal information or payment to someone you do not know, contact Drexel Police at 215.895.2222 to file a police report.

Community Commitments

Stop by Public Safety Day on Oct. 1

Public Safety Day will start the morning of October 1 with National Coffee with a Cop, 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: 445.221.5436

Walking Escorts

215.895.2222