About Our Division
The Division of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 176 personnel, 116 of which are sworn University of Pennsylvania Police Officers. The dedicated men and women of DPS are responsible for enhancing the quality of life, safety and security of our community. The Division accomplishes its mission through the delivery of a comprehensive and integrated safety and security program, in partnership with the community that we serve. The following six (6) departments fall under the Office of the Vice President:
- Penn Police Department
- Fire & Emergency Services
- Technology & Emergency Communications
- Security Services
- Special Services
- Finance & Administration
DPS works closely with city, state and federal agencies, such as the City of Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments, the District Attorney’s Office, Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, the Pennsylvania State Attorney General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Agency, Secret Service, Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and City/State/Federal Homeland Security branches, just to name a few. DPS also maintains contracts with security partners AlliedBarton and ADT Advanced Integration and partners closely with other local schools and universities.
With the University residing within the University City District (UCD), close partnerships with the UCD offices and assigned 18th District Police Officers are an integral part of DPS’s overall safety plan.
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 Penn and the University City community.