Message from the Division of Public Safety – Summer Safety at Penn

The Division of Public Safety (DPS) is committed to the safety and wellbeing of the Penn and West Philadelphia communities which we serve.

As we enter the summer season on campus, we would like to acknowledge the national increase in violent crime. This rise is also occurring here in Philadelphia, most recently reflected in the shooting on South Street on Saturday night. While this tragic incident occurred several miles from our campus, we recognize the impact it may have on those living, working and studying in our community.

Public Safety Resources

Throughout the summer months, Public Safety maintains the same deployment levels, regardless of campus population. Additionally, Penn Police and Allied Security have increased the frequency of targeted patrols in certain areas, in response to crime trends as they occur. A reminder that the Penn Patrol Zone extends from 30th Street to 43rd Street (east to west) and Market Street to Baltimore Avenue (north to south).

We will continue to work with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to ensure the safety and security of our community.

DPS offers safety presentations, self-defense courses, and emergency procedures training to the Penn Community. Groups may request presentations via the form on our website.

If you should have any concerns or see someone exhibiting suspicious behavior, call the PennComm Emergency Communications Center at 215-573-3333. We are here for you 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, call anytime. If you feel unsafe outside of the Penn Patrol Zone, call 911 for local police (in the U.S.).

Your safety and well-being remain our highest priority.

Emergency Contact Information

• Emergencies: Dial 215-573-3333 or 511 (from any campus phone). Dial 9-1-1 outside of the Penn Patrol Zone.
• PennGuardian App: Penn Guardian is a free app that allows Penn affiliates the ability to rapidly provide information about themselves to the Division of Public Safety during an emergency.
• Blue Light Emergency Phones: If you observe a potential safety hazard, require assistance, notice suspicious activity, feel unsafe or need a walking escort, you can reach Public Safety directly through any emergency phone on campus. Just pick up the receiver or press the button.

Additional Safety & Wellness Resources

We encourage you to use the free services below, provided for your safety and wellbeing

Walking Escort: 215-898-WALK (9255)

Public Safety Officers provide walking escort services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week between 30th to 43rd Streets and Market Street to Baltimore Avenue. Call 215-898-9255 (898-WALK).

Penn Transit Ride Service: 215-898-RIDE (7433)

Penn Transit’s buses and shuttles help students travel between campus and the neighboring communities safely and efficiently. Penn Transit Services are free of charge to all Penn community members holding a valid PennCard.

The HELP Line: 215-898-HELP (4357)

Any member of the Penn community may call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to request mental health resources and information.

Special Services: 215-898-4481 or 215-898-6600 (24hrs)

Members of the Penn community may inquire and receive support services when victimized by any type of crime. Highly trained personnel are available to offer immediate assistance, including crisis intervention, accompaniment to legal and medical proceedings, options counseling and advocacy, and linkages to other University and community resources.

Student Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS): 215-898-7021

CAPS services are part of Wellness at Penn, and are here to support you throughout your Penn experience.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): 1-866-799-2329

Penn’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can provide counseling and referral services to you and your families, as well as connect you to resources to help you work through the grief these events can create. EAP offers materials for coping with traumatic experiences and ways to help those who struggle with feeling safe at school, home, or work.

UPennAlert Registration: Visit www.publicsafety.upenn.edu/upennalert for information on how to register or update your contact information.

Penn Guardian: Use the Penn Guardian App to stay in touch with Public Safety.

• Penn Guardian is a free app that allows Penn affiliates the ability to rapidly provide information about themselves to the Division of Public Safety during an emergency.
• Calls from a registered phone will allow Penn Police to determine the GPS location of the caller’s cell phone, which can expedite response time. This information will only be available to Penn Police when the subscriber calls PennComm directly, either through the app or at 215-573-3333.
• If a call is made to PennComm, and the caller is unable to speak—perhaps because of an allergic reaction —a call taker will send a text message to the caller’s phone, allowing for communication directly via text.
• The app provides a confidential way to submit a tip to Penn Police—with a photo, if necessary—through a text message.