Registering for the Penn Guardian System is quick and easy! It is a free app for on your smartphone. Simply visit:

App Store for iOS devices

Google Play for Android devices 

and sign up with your Penn email address. Update your profile by adding information such as your physical description, a photo, your address, known allergies or other optional medical information.

The App was developed by the University’s safety partner Rave Guardian, a service utilized on college campuses across the country.  You can visit the Rave Guardian website to learn more.

With Penn Guardian you can build a unique personal profile that instantaneously provides DPS dispatchers with critical information should you call them from your registered phone number. Share pertinent information such as food allergies or medication needs.  All information provided by you is 100% optional and is only seen when you call 215-573-3333 for assistance.

When you register your phone for the Penn Guardian Service you may create a unique profile. Here you will be able to enter information (all information is optional) about yourself.

Dispatchers are only able to view information the user has chosen to provide, and only for the amount of time necessary to address the emergency.

For this feature to be useful to responders, it is extremely important that all information be up to date. To update your profile at any time, simply visit the Penn Guardian App (named “Guardian”). The more information you include on their profile, the easier it will be for Public Safety to assist you.

Information you can include

Users have the option to enter information such as height, weight, medical issues, and any other relevant details they choose.

It is highly recommended that users include details such as vehicle information, address information, emergency contacts and important medical information. Users may also include a current photo.

Penn Guardian allows for GPS location to be share with Public Safety when you call from your phone. If you need immediate assistance, but are unable to communicate, Penn Guardian helps Police and emergency responders locate you. This information will only be available to Penn Police when you call the Penn Emergency Communications Center (PennComm) directly, either through the app or at 215-573-3333.

The information you choose to include in the Penn Guardian profile is kept completely confidential. PennComm or any entity at the University cannot locate using your phone’s GPS service any other time. PennComm dispatchers only see this information when you call 215-573-3333 and cannot be viewed at any other time.

The app provides a confidential way to submit a tip to Penn Police—with a photo, if necessary—through a text message.

We want you to feel confident that any information you provide for the Penn Guardian system is kept completely confidential. DPS never sees your information or tracks your location unless you contact us for assistance.

DPS also has worked with the Office of Audit, Compliance & Privacy to ensure our Vendor follows the University of Pennsylvania’s standards for data protection.

The information you choose to include in the Penn Guardian profile is kept completely confidential.  PennComm dispatchers only see this information when you call 215-573-3333 and can not be viewed at any other time. PennComm or any entity at the University can not locate using your phone’s GPS service any other time.

Have questions?  You may also contact the Division of Public Safety at and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Is Penn Guardian the same as the UPennAlert system?

No, Penn Guardian is separate from the UPennAlert Emergency Notification System. While all faculty, staff and students are required to provide the UPennAlert System with a primary cell phone number where they can be reached during an emergency, the Penn Guardian system is optional and requires users to sign up for the service on their own. UPennAlert allows Public Safety to send messages to Penn affiliates; Penn Guardian allows Penn Affiliates to send messages to Public Safety.

Is the information secure?

Yes. Rave uses the latest in security technologies and processes to ensure all information is kept secure and private. They undergo regular security audits to ensure the security of data.

Is Penn Guardian always tracking me?

No, your privacy is of utmost importance. You can only be located when calling for immediate assistance to 215-573-3333 on your registered cellular phone.