Guest Opinion: Safety efforts explained

We are writing to inform you of the immediate actions we have undertaken in response to the recent increase of crime. In an attempt to stop crime before it happens, we have put the following initiatives in place in addition to the ongoing aggressive patrolling by our Division of Public Safety:

Police Tactical Task Force: More Penn and Philadelphia police officers and Allied security patrols have been deployed between 7 p.m. and 4 a.m. to supplement existing forces. Strobe lights and reflective vests have been added to increase officer visibility. New electric security vehicles will patrol Locust Walk. Intersecting patrol routes will increase officers' interactions with the community and create a coordinated web of crime fighting. Additional officers will be assigned to targeted patrol zones on key intersections between 40th and 43rd streets staffed between the hours of 7 p.m. and 4 a.m. The targeting patrol zones are: 40th and Pine, 41st and Spruce, 42nd and Baltimore and 43rd and Locust.

Increased coverage by the Philadelphia Police Department: At our request, the PPD has provided additional coverage to complement the Penn Police security plans.

Increased and improved lighting: We are making immediate improvements in lighting not only on campus but also between 40th and 43rd streets by working with the City Streets Department and PECO. The lighting surrounding Hill Square as well as many areas around campus has been improved and will be regularly checked for adequacy.

Expanded network of closed-circuit television coverage: Our community and technology-based virtual patrols have been increased. We are expanding our current network of 74 closed-circuit TV cameras on and around campus. Penn transportation staff and local business owners are being trained to report suspicious activity as part of the PennWATCH program. New cameras are being installed this week at 40th and Pine and 42nd and Pine.

Improved communication and education: More than 60 PennTransit workers have been trained over a three-day period to identify and report suspicious behavior, incidents and other safety concerns. Allied Security Officers will patrol around sorority and fraternity houses, student centers and libraries to proactively encourage the use of our escort service, UC Walk Plus. DPS also has conducted six separate sessions with student and community groups to hear concerns and provide safety tips and education.

Enhanced transportation options: Public Safety and Business Services will implement a new transit route service for both on- and off-campus locations. The pilot will run in December, and its effectiveness will be evaluated in January 2006.

We also wish to remind you to program Penn's emergency number into your cell phone (215-573-3333 off-campus). Remember to call whenever you need assistance or wish to report suspicious behavior. You may also use Penn's "511" emergency number from any on-campus building. When out and about, please walk with friends or call for a walking or riding escort.

Before you leave for Thanksgiving, we wish to encourage you, particularly off-campus residents, to participate in the Holiday Special Check program. Details can be found at the Public Safety Web site.

Finally, you have our word that we are addressing the issue of crime as aggressively and strategically as possible. Our entire team at Penn will work tirelessly and do everything within our power, including working effectively with our many partners, to enhance the personal safety of all our community members. With our entire community working together, we will prevail.

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