Living in Philadelphia means living in the city of World Champions (looking at you, Eagles), with some of the best restaurants in the country, plus tons of activities to do in every corner of the city and beyond. So, it’s easy to understand that life can move fast living in Philly, but your safety still needs to be a priority. In fact, that’s why Temple has an entire Department of Public Safety, which includes a police department with certified police officers who can make arrests, a dispatch room that takes emergency calls 24/7, more than 1,400 security cameras always keeping many watchful eyes on campus and more. Still, safety is everyone’s responsibility, and there are many resources and reminders that students should know to enhance safety for everybody. 

Save the number to Temple Police
Right now, take out your phone (unless you’re already on your phone reading this—keep on keeping on), and store the number for Temple Police: 215-204-1234. Temple Police are constantly on patrol. They’re committed to protecting the Temple and North Philadelphia communities, and calling them can be one of the quickest ways to let them know you need assistance.

Get a free U-lock by registering your bike or scooter with Temple Public Safety
Students, faculty and staff can get a free U-lock by registering their bicycles and scooters with Temple University Police. While chain locks can be easy to cut, U-locks provide stronger protection. However, registering your ride with Public Safety adds another layer of protection, because if your bike or scooter is ever lost or stolen and later recovered, this record helps Temple Police—and, if needed, the Philadelphia Police Department—identify it and return it to you. To receive a free U-lock: Bring your bike or scooter to Public Safety headquarters at 1101 W. Montgomery Ave. across from Cava. An officer will inspect it and place a registration sticker on the frame. The sticker links your bike to your file in the police database. Once your registration is complete, you’ll be given a free U-lock. It’s that easy!

Become familiar with the university’s medical amnesty policy
Temple Police would love it if students spent every Saturday nights at Charles Library studying, but some students partake in other less-than-academic activities over the weekends. Regardless, your safety and well-being are still Temple’s top priorities. That’s why it’s important to become familiar with the university’s medical amnesty policy. 

The university strongly encourages students to call Temple Police for medical assistance for themselves or for other individuals who are dangerously under the influence of drugs or alcohol. That number is 215-204-1234. No student seeking medical treatment for the effects of drug or alcohol use will be subject to university discipline for violations pertaining to drug or alcohol use as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Medical amnesty will be granted to both the intoxicated student and to the student seeking medical assistance for the intoxicated student; however, the intoxicated student will be required to participate in the university's Drug and Alcohol Education Program in order to receive medical amnesty. To get help for yourself or a friend for drug or alcohol use, visit Tuttleman Counseling Center. 

Take advantage of the walking escort service
If you had a late night of homework at the Tech Center and want to get home with the assurance of having someone walk with you, the Walking Escort Program is here for you. Security bike officers are available every day to walk with you on and around campus, staying in touch with Temple Police the entire time. Just call 8-WALK (8-9255) from a campus phone or 215-777-9255 from your cell, and someone will meet you to make sure you get where you’re going safely. The officers will go with you anywhere within the university’s patrol boundaries, which are Susquehanna Avenue on the north to Jefferson Street on the south, with the exception of 13th to Broad Street, where the southern boundary is Girard Avenue. The western border is 18th Street and the patrol area extends east to 9th Street.

Protect Your Tech
Remember when we mentioned safety is everybody’s responsibility? That includes you—we need your help to make campus safer. So protect your belongings! If you’re in the Howard Gittis Student Center and need to use the restroom, make sure to take your cell phone, laptop, bag—whatever you have—with you. Even if it’s for only a minute, don’t make it easy for thieves looking for unattended items to swipe. It can happen quickly and, importantly, it’s completely avoidable. Take your things with you if you’re going somewhere. This goes for packages, too—students are encouraged to bring deliveries inside as soon as possible.

Know the steps to take during an emergency
In recent weeks, colleges and universities across the nation have faced the challenges of swatting incidents, active shooter hoaxes and actual threats. These situations, whether real or false, move fast. However, knowing the steps to take during these incidents empowers us all to stay safer. Start by taking a few minutes to watch the Community Safety Video and discuss it with your friends. Preparedness is a team effort,  and we need you. 

Trust your instincts.
If something feels off, listen to your gut. Avoid confrontations and don’t worry about possibly offending anyone. Your safety is always the priority. Make sure to head to a safe place and call Temple Police right away. Didn’t save it earlier? The number is 215-204-1234. We’ll stay on the line with you, and if you’re in the university’s patrol zone, can send a police officer to you right away. One more thing—be aware. Take out the earphones and avoid looking down at your phone and texting when you’re walking in public. Being aware of your surroundings can keep you and others safer.

Download the TUSafe app
What’s cooler than your parents and mostly stays in your pocket but is there if you have an emergency? That’s right: The TUSafe app! TUSafe is Temple University’s one-touch personal safety application. Anyone in the Temple community can use this mobile tool to connect directly with Temple’s Department of Public Safety by downloading the app to their phone. TUSafe features enable users to: make an emergency call, use the panic button, initiate a Friend Walk and much more! Make sure to download and familiarize yourself with it right now.