During the evening of Friday, Oct. 21, Temple Police, Philadelphia Police and SEPTA Police responded to reports of a large group of approximately 200 juveniles causing disruption along Broad Street. The group apparently gathered off campus at the movie theater at Broad and Oxford streets south of campus at approximately 6:45 p.m. The source of this gathering appears to be posts on social media that have been identified by police.

 

For the next few hours, the juveniles split into several smaller groups, some of which committed assaults, and ran from police in various directions between Jefferson and Norris streets and between Broad and 17th streets. Four juveniles were arrested in connection with three assaults, the first of which was reported at 8:30 p.m.

 

A similar group of juveniles was reported two weekends ago near Main Campus on Saturday, Oct. 15. 

 

Temple Police continues to work together with Philadelphia Police to have an increased presence, especially on weekends. We are also encouraging the campus community to heighten awareness and to use the following campus resources.

 

Walking escorts—in which security officers on bicycles accompany students who are walking—can be provided by calling 8-WALK from a campus phone or 215-777-WALK (9255) from a cell phone. Walking escorts are available from 4 p.m. to 6 a.m. seven days a week.

 

Also consider using Flight, an on-demand evening shuttle service for Temple students, faculty and staff. To use Flight, download the TapRide app, select Temple University and use your AccessNet login to request a ride from your smartphone. Flight operates from 5:30 p.m. to 5:45 a.m. seven nights a week during the academic year. For more information, visit http://www.temple.edu/flight. 

 

Please be aware of your surroundings while walking. If possible, travel with friends and walk in well-lit, regularly traveled streets or pathways. Look around to make sure that you are not being followed. If you think you are being followed, cross the street. If you are being pursued, do anything that might summon assistance. 

 

If at any time you have concerns about your safety, do not hesitate to call 911 or Temple Police at 215-204-1234 (1-1234 from a campus phone).

 

Your safety is our highest priority.