In West Philadelphia, safety is always of paramount importance

While students may feel safe and secure in the cozy confines of campus, it is important to remember that the University is located in West Philadelphia and that safety and security must be concerns. The University Police department, located at 3914 Locust Walk, is responsible for protecting the University community. To call University Police from a 417- or 898- exchange, dial 511. When off campus, you can reach them at 573-3333. The University offers both walking and driving escort services, as well as the Penn Bus. From 6:00 p.m. until 3 a.m., you can call 898-RIDE for driving escorts and 898-WALK for a walking escort. If you need assistance getting home after 3 a.m., you can call the University Police non-emergency line at 898-7297. In addition, yellow emergency telephones topped with blue lights are located throughout the campus. When the telephone receiver is removed, the police dispatcher is automatically alerted and an officer is sent to the location of the telephone even if the person removing the receiver cannot speak to the dispatcher. Finally, the University has recently constructed five security kiosks located at various points on and near campus. The kiosks are part of the administration's master plan for improving campus safety and are designed to create a series of "Community Walkways" on and off campus. But students must also take responsibility for their own safety. Here are some tips for students living on and off campus: · Stay in well-lit areas at night and if you must walk alone, try to stay near other people. · Carry only necessary credit cards, money and personal belongings. · Try to use Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) located inside University buildings, such as in those Houston Hall, High Rise East, Steinberg-Dietrich Hall, McClelland Hall in the Quadrangle and the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania. · Keep the door of your dormitory room, apartment or house locked at all times and always keep keys in your possession. Keep these doors locked and secured even if you're expecting a guest or only expect to be away for a short time. It is also a good idea--especially off campus--to keep your door locked even while in your room. · Escort Service can be reached by dialing 898-RIDE from off-campus locations or by waiting at one of the transit stops on campus. Remember that Escort services both the off-campus and Center City areas. · If you cannot use Escort Service when traveling at night, use the "buddy system" and tell people at your destination that you are on your way. · Report anyone in the academic or residential buildings who looks suspicious, as well as any crimes that you witness, to the University Police and/or your dormitory's front desk. · Register your bicycle with University Police and keep it locked at all times. Overall, students must use their common sense--remember to be careful, think before you act and try to recognize and avoid potentially dangerous situations. Further information can be obtained from the University Police department or the Office of Victim Support and Special Services.

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