When incidents and/or crimes occur, on or off campus, that constitute an ongoing or continuing threat to the University community, the Department of Public Safety and Security will, when possible, publish on this site a "Security Alert Notice" within 24 hours of the occurrence.

The Security Alert Notice will include the crime or incident, location, description of the perpetrators, time and date of occurrence, and any other information deemed necessary.

Anyone with information warranting a security alert notice should report the circumstances to the Security Department by phone at 215-895-1117 or 215-596-8595, or in person at the Security office, which is located on the first floor of the Woodland building.

Security Alert Notice- posted November 12, 2007

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has seen an increase in the reporting of “Theft From Vehicle” incidents in the area of 46th to 48th Streets, between Chester Avenue and Baltimore Avenue. Criminals have been targeting navigation systems, and other items of value. To avoid becoming a victim the DPS encourage everyone to take the following precautions:

• Never leave items of value in your vehicle
• Remove navigation systems and portable radio systems
• Store power cords out view from the public
• Park in well lit and highly travelled areas
• Never leave you vehicle in the same location for extended periods

If you are a victim of crime, you should report it immediately to the Department of Public Safety at 215-895-7000, or email dps@usp.edu. The information you provide will assist us in providing a safe environment for the USP community.

Security Alert Notice- posted October 4, 2007

USP Department of Public Safety has been advised that the city of Philadelphia is experiencing a pattern of robberies involving cabs with a driver and passenger in the front seat.

• The suspects pick up persons hailing cabs and, by point-of-gun, forcing the individuals to withdraw currency from multiple ATM locations within the city.

• Three of the incidents occurred in Center City and one at 40th and Walnut Streets. In one case, the car was described to be a white Ford Crown Victoria; a second incident involved a black Ford Crown Victoria with a white logo.

• The suspects are described as males, medium to dark complexion, in their mid to late 20’s. The driver is 6’1,” 180-190 lbs, and clean-shaven. The passenger is between 5’7” and 6’0,” approximately 160-170 lbs, with a goatee.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority, which regulates rules and policies of all taxis in the city, does not allow anyone to accompany the taxi driver in the front section of the cab. The only person allowed in the front passenger seat is a fare passenger.

If a cab approaches you with a passenger in the vehicle, decline the ride and immediately contact the Philadelphia Police by dialing 911. The Department of Public Safety encourages the USP community to use the USP/Penn Transit services and be cautious when traveling within the city.

Visit www.usip.edu/transportation for information regarding transportation services.

The above “Timely Notice” is issued in compliance with the provisions of the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998.

Security Alert Notice - posted July 26, 2007

In compliance with the “Timely Notice” provisions of the Federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998, the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia Department of Public Safety was notified of a non-affiliated attempted robbery and aggravated assault at 4127 Woodland, on Wednesday July 25, 2007 at 2:44 a.m.

The perpetrator is described a an African-American male, age 23, 5-8”-6’0, deep voice, all black clothing and should be considered dangerous.

The Department of Public Safety and the Philadelphia Police have increased patrols of the area and we encourage individuals to use provided services and not to travel alone during the late evening and early morning hours.

To report suspicious activities contact the Department of Public Safety at 215-596-7000.

Security Alert Notice - posted July 18, 2007

In compliance with the “Timely Notice” provisions of the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998, the University of the Sciences Department of Public Safety has been advised that their has been an increase in harassment, assaults, and robberies by juveniles in University City.

The Department of Public Safety strongly encourages students, faculty and staff to be aware while traveling in this area, to always stay alert and take the following precautions to reduce the chances of becoming a victim: 

• Use well-traveled routes.
• Walk with friends.
• Be aware of what is going on around you.
• Walk purposefully, briskly, and avoid becoming distracted with the use of iPods or cell phones.
• Walk in the center of the sidewalk, away from buildings, doorways, hedges, and parked cars.
• When possible, walk on the side of the street facing oncoming traffic. If you are walking with traffic and a car going in the same direction pulls up next to you, reverse your direction.
• If a stranger tries to engage you in a conversation, use discretion before stopping to talk. It is a good idea to say that you are in a hurry to meet someone.
• If you see a group of juveniles hanging around or coming towards you change direction, select a different route, or go to the nearest building.  Contact the Department of Public Safety to alert us to any potential safety risks to yourself or others.
• Use the University Walking/Mobile Escort Services
• Have the key to your home or car ready as you approach your door.
• Have the Department of Public Safety emergency phone number in your cell phone.  215-596-7000.

We encourage individuals to contact the Department of Public Safety at 215-596-7000, if you or someone you know becomes a victim of crime.

Security Alert Notice - posted May 14, 2007

This security alert is to notify you that on Saturday, May 12, at approximately 4:15 a.m., the Philadelphia Police Department responded to a report by USP security of an alleged sexual assault near the visitor’s lot adjacent to Rosenberger Hall. The victim is reported to be neither a USP student nor University employee. The police are investigating the incident. USP security is cooperating fully with authorities.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Chuck Lorenz at 215-596-8595, or by email at c.lorenz@usip.edu