Penn's urban location in West Philadelphia provides exciting opportunities, but also means that students need to be aware of their surroundings.
With more than 100 officers and an extensive network of campus security guards, Penn has a large security force - separate from the Philadelphia Police Department - that aims to keep students safe.
Here are some of the University's safety services:
UPenn Alert system In an emergency situation, the UPenn Alert system - launched two years ago - can reach students and faculty through text messages, e-mails and phone calls.
Students can register their cell phones with UPenn Alert on Penn InTouch.
898-WALK To request a walking escort to or from locations on campus, students can dial 898-WALK from any campus phone or 215-898-WALK from any non-University phone.
Escorts are campus security guards, and students can use the service 24 hours a day. The escort will arrive about 15 minutes after a call is made; during busy times, like finals week, escorts are available outside popular locations like Van Pelt Library.
898-RIDE To request a ride to or from locations on campus from a University van, students can call 898-RIDE from any campus phone or 215-898-RIDE from any non-University phone.
The service is available from 6 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.
Blue-light phones Penn's Division of Public Safety has set up phone around campus and the surrounding areas for emergency use.
The phones can be distinguished by their yellow covers and the bright blue lights overhead. When the phone's receiver is listed, a call is immediately made to the dispatch center at DPS, and a security officer will be dispatched to the site regardless of whether the caller speaks into the receiver.
Emergency services To reach Penn Police, students can dial 511 from any campus phone or 215-573-3333 from any non-University phone.
Penn Police asks that when an emergency is reported, the caller be prepared to give his or her full name, location and any other information relevant to the emergency.
Property registration To reduce the risk of theft and increase the chances of recovering stolen property, students can register bicycles, laptops, cell phones, MP3 players and other valuables with DPS.
Students should visit campusexpress.upenn.edu/safety and log in using their Pennkey and password to register items. Passes for registered items can be picked up at the Penn Police station, located at 4040 Chestnut St.
