Public Safety begins move to mini-station

University Police and the Special Services Unit will occupy the station at 40th and Walnut streets. Monday marked the beginning of a busy week for Public Safety officials, as the division began moving into a new mini-station at 40th and Walnut streets. The temporary station -- which will be officially dedicated January 31 -- houses several University Police operations, as well as the department's Special Services unit. It will be used until the completion of the recently announced Public Safety headquarters at 40th and Chestnut streets, which is not expected to open for at least a year. Located between Smokey Joe's and Burger King, the temporary building is divided into a Police Station on one side and a Special Services area on the other. Special Services oversees such things as the Victim Support, Crime Prevention and Community Relations programs. Chief of Police Operations Maureen Rush explained that the physical division was intended to differentiate between the two branches while making it "one-stop shopping" for students needing security assistance. "They are two separate entities with so much activity on both sides," Rush explained. "They both really assist the community." The mini-station provides space for University and Philadelphia police officers to make reports and telephone calls. It also houses the Bike Patrol and Walking Escort services. Additionally, SpectaGuard officers patrolling the area will check in to the mini-station while walking their beats. And while finishing touches on the new station are still being added, Walking Escort began utilizing their new office space Monday night. Special Services Director Susan Hawkins and her staff also moved into the space on Monday. Hawkins said the office has "a warm feel to it" where students can make reports or ask for help, and added that the space will also be used to maintain relationships with different town watch and community groups. Rush said the new mini-station is more easily accessible for students, adding that the Special Services area offers several private rooms for students seeking to make "confidential" reports. The location had been an empty retail space until construction on the station began December 5, and Rush said she was amazed by the speed with which the project was completed. While the mini-station provides new facilities for the Public Safety Division, officials hope its location will help to improve the entire 40th Street area. Rush said the University hopes for 40th Street to become a "thriving spot where there is a flow between the campus and the community." The mini-station's location is part of a plan issued by the University's 40th Street Task Force aimed at making the area a lively retail neighborhood. "This fits right into the blueprint of making 40th Street a destination spot," Rush said. She added that the presence of University Police and SpectaGuards going in and out of the mini-station will also improve area safety. "By mid-February you should see a real increase of activity around this area," Rush said. University President Judith Rodin will attend the dedication ceremony January 31, along with various community and student leaders.