How to Exchange Goods Safely
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay and other online forums can offer great deals, but some of them turn out too good to be true. The Drexel Police Headquarters at 3219 Arch St. can serve as a Safe Transaction Zone where buyers and sellers can meet face-to-face to complete the sales and exchanges that originate online. The front lobby, which is under 24-hour video surveillance, is available to facilitate safe transactions seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Also, electricity is provided for buyers to test electronics. (Note: Transactions involving weapons, drugs or drug paraphernalia are barred from the Safe Transaction Zone.)
Where to Park at Night in University City
There continues to be an increase in motor vehicle and electric scooter thefts within and around the University City Campus. To protect your car, consider using formal parking lots. Most Drexel-operated University City parking lots have a reduced evening rate of $1/hour, and the Drexel Parking Garage is $3/hour, from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. Please review the related Parking Services announcement for more information.
Officer Tolbert spending time with some students at the Rec Center.
Get to Know Us: Officer Trent Tolbert
As a Drexel Police Officer for the past nine months, Trent Tolbert’s primary responsibilities are to serve and protect the people in the community, enforce laws on and off campus, and ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff.
Trent has a strong passion for fitness and a love for engaging with the community. He recently competed in his first men’s natural bodybuilding competition, where he received a first-place trophy for men’s novice and second in men’s open class. Trent views fitness as a chance to shine light on the important topic of health and wellness. Prior to joining Drexel, Trent participated in many community service events pertaining to fitness with his job at the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Department. Trent plans to continue instilling the importance of health and wellness in students, coworkers, and people who live in the surrounding areas of West Philadelphia.
When asked what his message to the community is, Trent urges his Drexel family to “always embrace the gifts that God gave you and always be an inspiration for others around you. We can all be men and women of service. Our gifts are meant to be used and served with a purpose!”
And Now, Get to Know Public Safety Even Better
As part of Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Mel Singleton’s commitment to community engagement, all Drexel police officers have been issued cell phones and urged to distribute their contact number during each encounter with the Drexel community. This initiative provides DUPD with the opportunity to get to know you, and the community the chance to get to know DUPD.
A collage of photos depicting Public Safety at this year’s National Night Out event.
Community Commitments
National Night Out Recap and Thank You!
To say that the National Night Out event last week was a success is an understatement! With over 25 organizations represented, eight buckets of water ice scooped out, 200 burgers and 200 hot dogs grilled, countless kernels popped, and an estimated 450 people in attendance, the words thank you don’t seem to cover it. The Department of Public Safety is beyond grateful for every one of you who came out and supported this event to enhance the relationships within our community.
Own a Hyundai or Kia? Come Get a Free Steering Wheel Lock!
In partnership with Hyundai, Drexel affiliates and surrounding community residents who own a Hyundai or Kia vehicle can come to Drexel University Police Headquarters at 3219 Arch St. to pick up a steering wheel lock free of charge. A valid driver’s license and proof of Hyundai vehicle registration will be required to receive the steering wheel lock. Check out this Instagram post for more info.
Save the Date: Drexel Public Safety Day on Oct. 4
Oct. 4, 2023 is Public Safety Day! Stay tuned for more information on three events that DPS will be hosting during the day throughout campus. The day will start with National Coffee with a Cop; a Public Safety Resource Fair will be held midday; the day will end with a community event.
Scan this QR code to sign up for a SAFE class!
Learn How to Protect Yourself With SAFE
Public Safety’s self-protection program, Self-Awareness for Everyone (SAFE), is split into two sessions: SAFE I and SAFE II. Due to the hands-on nature of the class, it is strongly recommended that you register with a fellow Dragon! Participation in the techniques is recommended, but not required. Registration is required 72 hours prior to the class. You can register via Eventbrite for these classes; they are also available by request for your group.
Want a sneak peak into what a class is like? Check out the video feature created by Drexel students, on the DPS website.
- SAFE I classes will be offered the second week of every month on Monday and Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. Upcoming classes are on Sept. 11 and Sept. 13.
- SAFE II classes will be offered the fourth week of every month on Monday and Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. and cannot be taken until you have completed SAFE I. Upcoming classes are on Aug. 21, Aug. 23, Sept. 25 and Sept. 27.
Additional DPS Educational Programs
You can request any of the following presentations and trainings by completing the Request a Presentation Form.
- Your Safety Is Our Goal: This virtual workshop is a great way to learn how to stay aware of your surroundings and always be prepared, not scared, when moving through the city.
- Fire & Emergency Services, Emergency Preparedness: The Office of Fire and Emergency Services offers tailored, data-driven awareness and training programs, by request, to help the Drexel community reduce the risks of fire, medical emergencies, elevator entrapments, power outages, gas leaks, and other common challenges.
- Workplace Safety Program: The Public Safety & U workplace safety program is designed to empower and educate members of the Drexel community and can be customized to address the unique security challenges of your unit.
We Are Here for You When You Need Us
Please call 215.895.2222 immediately if you experience or witness a crime. Drexel’s Public Safety Communications Center is staffed 24/7 to serve you, whether or not you choose to remain anonymous when making a report. It is vital that crimes are reported promptly to Drexel Police so that they can be investigated, and so that Public Safety can connect the victim(s) with proper resources. You can also contact DPS through the Drexel Guardian app. Drexel Guardian will not track you nor share your information unless you initiate an emergency. To download the app, search for “Rave Guardian” in the app store or Google Play store.
Emergency Numbers
215.895.2222 or 911
TTY: 215.571.4141
Walking Escorts
215.895.2222
To learn more about Drexel Public Safety, visit drexel.edu/publicsafety.
