Safety

U. Penn Division of Public Safety
www.publicsafety.upenn.edu

Most students do not have problems that require the use of the University Police or the Philadelphia Police. However, it is important to be informed about the University’s security procedures and to stay alert when it comes to your personal safety. You can reduce your vulnerability by using forethought and common sense. Keep your room or apartment locked at all times. Do not admit strangers to your building. Demand identification from repairmen, telephone installers, and other service people. Avoid walking alone at night, choose a well-lit route and make use of Penn’s walking and driving escort services. Keep an eye on your belongings whether you are in the Library, the lounges, the restrooms, or elsewhere. In rare instances, wallets, purses, laptop computers and briefcases have been stolen from students. If you see anything suspicious, report it to the campus police.

Emergencies

To contact University Police in an emergency, dial 511 from a campus telephone, use one of more than 250 blue light emergency telephones on campus and in the surrounding neighborhood or dial (215) 573-3333 from off-campus.

Safety Action Plan - Prevention

Studying on Campus

  • Be alert! Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Keep your wallet or purse with you.
  • Don't allow doors to be propped open.
  • Notify University of Pennsylvania , Police Department
    (215-898-7333) regarding suspicious persons

Working on Campus

  • Never leave valuables unattended.
  • Don't allow doors to be propped open.
  • Notify University of Pennsylvania , Police Department
    (215-898-7333) regarding suspicious persons

Living on Campus

  • Know your neighbors
  • Don't compromise residential safety procedures. They are for
    your protection.
  • Report any potentially dangerous situation to Public Safety or your Residential Living staff.

Commuting to and from Campus

  • Walk with confidence.
  • Be aware when waiting for and riding public transportation.
  • Lock your bicycle securely to bike racks located throughout campus.
  • If you travel by bus or train, know the schedule for your route. Schedules for the PennBus and SEPTA bus routes are available at the Houston Hall information booth.

Penn Escort Services

A comprehensive system has been developed to provide safe transit for everyone in the University community within specific service boundaries. Penn Escort services are composed of two elements: walking escort service and escort shuttle services. All services are free of charge to University of Pennsylvania community members holding a valid Penn card. You must have your Penn card for identification available to show the escort/driver.

Walking Escort Service : From 6:00pm-3:00am , two person teams are available to escort you, on foot, to and from campus buildings and Transit Stops. Each team is radio-dispatched and is highly recognizable as Walking Escort Service. Call 215 898-WALK

Escort Shuttle Service : Various shuttle vehicles provide transportation around the core of campus, in West Philadelphia and in Center City within defined boundaries. These vehicles include Shuttle Route services (a map and route definitions will be available for each student), PennBUS (serves West Philadelphia, Monday through Friday), Handivan (a fully accessible vehicle with a low entrance step, wheel- chair lift, lock-down spaces and passenger seats, providing intra-campus mobility for persons with disabilities), and Shopping Shuttle (available from campus dormitories to various supermarkets). Call 215-898-RIDE (7433) for escort service.

Assistance for Crime Victims

A number of University and community services are available to crime victims. A University crime prevention specialist is available 24 hours a day to assist victims and to provide supportive services; call 215 898-6600. These services include someone to go with you to the hospital, the police administration building, and court. If you need any social or therapeutic help, this office can direct you to the best source for the help. Other resources for crime victims include, i.e., the Penn Women's Center, 898-8611, W.O.A.R. (Women Organized Against Rape) hotline, 922-3434 so that you can be directed to proper medical and emotional support.

Lockers in SP2

Individual lockers are available in the basement of the Caster Building . They are free of charge though students must purchase their own lock. Reserve lockers through the receptionist, Nicole Gant.