Division of Public Safety cited as a model for Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) training
DPS listed as a model for the forthcoming legislation on ABLE Training
In a co-sponsorship memo released May 7, 2021, in the PA state Senate, Senator Wayne D. Fontana advocated for Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) Training to become a requirement for police departments across the commonwealth. The legislation calls for departments to provide ABLE training to their officers every two years. The University of Pennsylvania Police Department was listed as a model department for their participation in this training.
“We are very excited to receive this recognition,” stated Maureen S. Rush, M.S., CPP, Vice President for Public Safety and Superintendent of Penn Police. “The Executive Vice President, along with several respected community leaders, supported our application to receive this advanced training. The ABLE training has been well received by our officers. Penn Police embraced active intervention strategies years ago, and value this highly effective program to further formalize and enhance our excellence.”
About DPS
University of Pennsylvania’s Division of Public Safety has been recognized by Security Magazine’s Security 500 as the #1 Public Safety program in the Higher Education Sector for the last 14 years in a row.
DPS Mission Statement
The Mission of the University of Pennsylvania’s Division of Public Safety is to enhance 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 members of the Division of Public Safety reflect the diversity of our community. We pledge to deliver professional safety and security services that value and respect the rights and differences of all members of the Division, as well as those of the University of Pennsylvania and the University City communities that we all proudly serve.
We are committed to the professional and personal development of all members of the Division of Public Safety, and in turn we expect all of our employees to be models of excellence. Ultimately, we strive each and every day to earn the trust, confidence, and respect of our community.