External Law Enforcement

Remain calm and courteous when asked to show proof of status during in-person encounters

• If approached by someone claiming to be law enforcement, you may ask:
  • “May I see your identification?”- including Name and Agency Affiliation (take a photo/make a copy of this information and/or request a business card).

• State willingness to cooperate. You may also request:
  • “I work/study at the University of Pennsylvania. May I contact my University’s law enforcement office?”
• Contact Penn Police at 215-573-3333.
• If you cannot call, ask someone to call Penn Police on your behalf.

• Save and memorize the Penn Division of Public Safety (DPS) 24/7 number: 215-573-3333
• Call Penn Police at 215-573-3333 first in any emergency.
• DPS can activate support services, including:
  • International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
  • Student Intervention Services (SIS)
  • Your embassy
  • Emergency contacts or family members
• You may contact DPS even when outside Philadelphia or Pennsylvania.
• When possible, travel with friends.
• Use DPS Walking Escort services in University City when needed.
• If you are an International student, ISSS advises you carry photocopies of the following documents (which can help demonstrate your U.S. immigration status) when on campus or in the Philadelphia area. Common documents include:
  • Unexpired passport (biographical page)
  • U.S. visa page (ok if expired as most recent entry date is shown on I-94)
  • Unexpired I-20 or DS-2019 (as applicable for F-1 or J-1)
  • I-94 from your most recent U.S. entry
  • I-797 USCIS approval notice (if applicable)
  • Green Card (for lawful permanent residents)
  • OPT students should also carry:
    • Photocopy of EAD card
    • I-20 page showing OPT authorization

You can call 215-573-3333 for help connecting you to University resources and support.

In addition to University resources, it may be helpful to reach out to a trusted person, such as a friend or family member, so they are aware and can provide support.

The University of Pennsylvania cooperates with outside agencies as required by law, while protecting the rights and privacy of students, faculty, and staff.

External law enforcement personnel generally are permitted to access otherwise open, publicly accessible areas of the University. Without a judicial warrant, they do not have a right to access non-public spaces. If outside personnel seek to access non-public areas, be courteous and contact Penn Police at 215-573-3333.

Consistent with existing policy, the University has advised the campus community, including building staff and security, to contact Penn Police at 215-573-3333 if approached on campus by any external law enforcement, including federal officials. Upon arrival, Penn Police can request and assess warrants, obtain additional information, and connect with other campus resources to provide support.

Notify Penn Police at 215-573-3333.

The University’s UPennAlert system is reserved for notifying community members of an active life-safety emergency occurring on or immediately adjacent to University property. Situations in which a UPennAlert would normally be sent include severe weather emergencies, major power outages, unexpected University closures, as well as ongoing active threats to the physical safety of the Penn community.

Visit the Division of Public Safety’s website for comprehensive information about safety and security at the University. We also encourage all Penn affiliates to download the Penn Guardian mobile app.

Penn is committed to supporting the safety, wellbeing, and dignity of every member of our community. That commitment remains evident through the people, services, and spaces across campus that are here to support you. If you are looking for support, we encourage you to utilize these resources across campus, including:

• Wellness at Penn: medical care, counseling, wellbeing support, health education, and help navigating care
• The Office of the Chaplain: spiritual care, reflection, and conversation
• University Life Departments: resource-based centers that offer community, advocacy, and belonging
• Special Services: support services for members of the Penn community who have experienced any type of crime
• ISSS: resources and information for international students and scholars to navigate essential services, including immigration, travel, and campus support
• EAP: Penn employees can access Penn Cobalt, a web-based platform, that matches Penn employees to mental health resources and the appropriate level of group and individual mental health and well-being support.
• Academic advisors, faculty, and staff who are here to listen and help connect you to support.

Additional resource information may be found here.

If you are unsure of the validity of the contact, call 215-573-3333. You may also wish to reach out to your ISSS advisor for guidance. Be aware of the potential for individuals to engage in scams related to these concerns.

Scam Awareness –

• Do not trust anyone who calls and threatens you or pressures you to transfer money or take urgent action.
• U.S. government agencies do not demand payment over the phone or threaten immediate consequences.
• If you receive a suspicious call:
  • Do not share personal information.
  • Do not send money.
  • Hang up immediately.
• Report the incident to Penn Police at 215-573-3333.