The Division of Public Safety works closely with City, State and Federal agencies, such as the City of Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments, the District Attorney’s Office, Philadelphia Probation and Parole, Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, the Pennsylvania State Attorney General, FBI, Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Secret Service, Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and City/State/Federal Homeland Security branches, just to name a few. Our goal is to be broadly connected to these agencies in order to receive intelligence, training and long range forecasting of issues that will ultimately impact the safety and security of our community.

More specifically, the UPPD and the Philadelphia Police Department, maintain a strong collaborative partnership, and share tactical, strategic and investigative information on a daily basis. In addition, monthly public safety group meetings are held with participants from multiple law enforcement agencies in the city, such as SEPTA police, Amtrak police, Philadelphia Housing Authority Police, as well as security partners from educational institutions within University City and property managers from University City buildings. The UPPD also has assigned personnel to work on varying Federal Law Enforcement Task Forces in a joint mission to attack violent crime issues.

Fire and Emergency Services (FES) maintains professional relationships with numerous governmental agencies that regulate life safety, property protection and process operational issues or respond to the campus during emergencies. There is a continuous liaison with Philadelphia’s Fire Department and Department of License & Inspections as it relates to preplanning for emergencies, emergency response and/or Philadelphia Code compliance issues. FES provides numerous informational tours and pre-inspection plans for all campus buildings in the pre-emergency phase, and participates in various exercises that enhance response capability. During an actual emergency, FES acts as Liaison to assist any outside responding Incident Commander in their mitigation role.

FES has also interfaced with other city Departments such as Water, Health, and the Managing Director’s Office of Emergency Management. A member of FES sits on the Philadelphia Local Emergency Planning Committee (PLEPC) actively participating in Chemical Emergency Preparedness for the city residents. And a member currently serves as the president of the Philadelphia Citizens’ for Fire Prevention Committee.

Additionally, FES interacts with numerous other state and federal agencies such as PEMA, Labor & Industry, EPA, DHS, and OSHA. Relationships are maintained with all response agencies that fall under the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

DPS is proud to maintain a positive and collaborative working relationship with the many safety, security and law enforcement agencies, which in turn, dramatically benefit the overall safety of the University City community.