Public Safety & U — June 2023 (Students)

Can you believe it's June already? As Drexel University prepares to celebrate Commencement, Drexel Public Safety (DPS) would like to congratulate the class of 2023 and thank the graduating EMS seniors for their partnership over the last few years. In this edition of PS&U, DPS offers tips for move-out etiquette, summer travel safety, and avoiding scammers. Plus: reflections on Pride Month and Juneteenth, as DPS recognizes the struggles of worldwide social injustices and reiterates its commitment to growth and positive change.

Whether you are a departing senior or just leaving campus for the summer, please be responsible Dragons when you are moving out. The Student Life website provides helpful information including timeline, check-out, trash and recycling guidelines, so be sure to review those details first.

If you are moving out of a neighborhood residence, please follow these guidelines:

Want to help reduce waste during move-out? The Undergraduate Student Government Association is seeking volunteers on June 10, 9:30–10:30 a.m., and June 17, 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., to organize, collect and/or claim left-behind dorm and clothing goods. Sign up via Google Forms or through the QR code in this flyer.

You don't have to be going far to keep these safety tips in mind for your summer travels. Whether you’re traveling for the day, the week or longer, it's important to consider the best ways to protect yourself while having fun. Follow these seven travel safety tips from Nationwide to help your trip be a memorable and safe one:

When looking for employment opportunities online, please be aware that scammers are equipped to gain your confidence and take advantage of you. This graphic from Public Safety's Instagram offers five tips to avoid these scams.

P.S. Have You Followed DPS on Instagram Yet?

Safety tips like the above, plus reminders, community updates and more can be found over @drexelpublicsafety! (You can also scan this QR code)

This Pride Month, DPS invited Dispatcher Mia Genovese to reflect on her experiences as a member and supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. In her written response, Genovese urged everyone to be aware of the crimes that target the LGBTQ+ community and described relating to being targeted simply for being who she is.

"It's our job to be there to protect these kids," wrote Genovese. "When they feel like the whole world is against them, we need to let them know that we are on their side. There are resources out there for help, and we are only a phone call away."

Genovese further explained her own sense of pride in her ability, as a dispatcher, to be there for her community: "When I was younger, it felt like there was nobody to save me. I take pride in the fact that now, I have the opportunity to be the one who answers the phone in their time of need."

DPS also invited Kristene Unsworth, PhD, assistant teaching professor in Drexel's Department of Criminology and Justice Studies and an expert in ethics, information technologies and policy, to share some thoughts on the historical context for Pride Month and its ongoing importance. She explained that Pride is celebrated in June to mark the anniversary of the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights that was ignited by the June 28, 1969, police raid of the Stonewall Inn in New York City.

"Law enforcement is tasked with carrying out laws and enforcing social norms that may or may not reflect the beliefs of individual officers," wrote Unsworth. "Police raids on gay bars were not uncommon at the time, but on that date, patrons of the bar and community members protested the raid and demanded the right to live openly without fear of being arrested."

While the relationship between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community has improved, Unsworth notes that there is still room for change: "Many people within the LGBTQ+ community have had negative interactions with the police, and a number of Pride organizations have barred law enforcement from participating in annual parades or events…. Open expression of LGBTQ+ culture is even coming under the gun in some jurisdictions, with local governments passing new laws that criminalize, specifically drag and transgender expressions of identity, under the guise of protecting children and public safety."

Unsworth added: "Public safety must mean safety for all to express themselves without fear of violence or retribution. This June, we can recommit to making positive change happen throughout our communities."

Drexel Police Officer Tim Adkins shared his perspective on Juneteenth as a day he celebrates "to remember the end of slavery while simultaneously celebrating the Black community — a day to look back and reflect on past ancestral pain and wholeheartedly embrace freedom and equality for all."

Adkins said he is "humbled" to be a part of a Drexel community that "fosters acceptance and diversity," adding, "As I look back to see how far we have come, I am reminded of the collective responsibility we share to brighten the future."

Drexel's Department of Public Safety is grateful for the dedicated work of Drexel Emergency Medical Services (EMS) graduating seniors. Congratulations to Joy Baek, Lea Bonsignore, Cynthia Chi, Mollie Keech, Morgan Mack, Sanya Malhi, Chrissy Rathsack, Alyssa Reis and Julin Sivriev! Thank you for your service to the Drexel community and mentorship to rising Drexel EMS members. DPS caught up with a few of the seniors and learn about their plans for after graduation. Best wishes to the entire class of 2023, and good luck to all current and incoming EMS members!

Interested in joining Drexel EMS next term? Learn more at drexelems.org, by following @drexelems on Instagram, by looking up the organization on DragonLink or via email at [email protected].

Join Public Safety on June 6 from 2–4 p.m. on Korman Quad for an afternoon treat and conversation with Drexel Police. In addition to monthly scheduled Cookies With Cops events, look for Drexel Police around campus and in the community for other fun events.

Meet DPS on Aug. 1, from 5­–9 p.m. on Lancaster Walk for an evening of resources and fun interactive activities. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. While also providing a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

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, we strongly recommend 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. These classes are also available by request for your group.

You can request any of the following presentations and trainings by completing the Request a Presentation Form.

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 Numbers215.895.2222 or 911TTY: 215.571.4141

Walking Escorts215.895.2222

To learn more about Drexel Public Safety, visit drexel.edu/publicsafety.

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