Ever wonder what goes on behind the blue brick walls at the Division of Public Safety (DPS) at 4040 Chestnut St.?

Once a year, DPS opens its doors to the Penn and University City communities for an Open House. This year it is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 11, from 3 to 6 p.m.

DPS welcomes everyone to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the PennComm Communications Center, which serves as the command and control center for the entire DPS operation. Visitors may take a turn on the Firearm Training Simulator, which tests a person’s instincts and response in scenarios that may require the use of force.

“We invite everyone to come and see why our Public Safety team has been recognized for four years in a row as the No. 1 program in the nation’s higher education market by Security 500 Magazine,” says Maureen S. Rush, vice president for public safety.

Students, faculty, staff and members of the community are invited to meet and interact with the members of the Public Safety team to learn more about the services DPS provides. Personnel from the Penn Police Department, Security Services, Special Services, Technology & Emergency Communications, Fire and Emergency Services, Penn’s student-run Medical Emergency Response Team and security partners Allied Barton and ADT Integrated Security will be on hand to answer any questions.

Visitors can also check out the latest in law enforcement vehicles, including Harley Davidson motorcycles and the T-3 electric security officer vehicles. Light refreshments will be served.

“This is an opportunity for everyone to see exactly what we do here and to get a better understanding of how we all can work together to be partners in safety,” Rush says.