The University of Pennsylvania was ranked #1 in safety and security in the higher education sector for the ninth consecutive year, according to Security Magazine’s “Security 500” list. 

Security Magazine’s top-500 ranking creates a reliable database for organizations to measure themselves in comparison to the performance of their colleagues.  It establishes a benchmarking program among security organizations, allowing them to see where they stand in this ongoing peer-review process.  

For the Division of Public Safety, it is a privilege to receive the magazine’s top position in their category again. 

“We are honored to be recognized for the ninth year in a row by Security Magazine, as the #1 Public Safety organization in the country within the University Market,” Maureen S. Rush, the Vice President for Public Safety & Superintendent of Police, said.  “We are especially grateful for the continual support of our President Amy Gutmann, Executive Vice President Craig Carnaroli, Provost Vince Price and the exceptional dedication of the people of the Division of Public Safety.” 

"We are thrilled to announce that Penn Public Safety has earned the number 1 ranking in the University Sector once again,” said Diane Ritchey, Editor-in-Chief of Security Magazine. “Penn Public Safety has earned the considerable trust of its many stakeholders and therefore receives funding which consistently leads to their high ranking. Maureen Rush and her team have created a seamless relationship between Penn Public Safety dispatchers, officers, and AlliedBarton security officers. They also consistently collaborate with University and community partners, most recently with the Papal Visit in September, where they partnered with Philadelphia Police to oversee the security for West Philadelphia; coordinated access to three major hospitals, including the designated trauma hospital for the Pope; and worked with community and businesses to arrange supply deliveries so that University and businesses could still run their operations. Maureen is a true security leader who frames security's contribution to Penn senior leaders in terms of organizational goals and speaks at a business level, and then successfully transfers that message to her team." 

The Division of Public Safety at the University of Pennsylvania is comprised of 178 personnel who are responsible for enhancing the quality of life, safety and security of the Penn community; 118 of which are sworn University of Pennsylvania Police Officers. The Division has seven departments, including the University of Pennsylvania Police Department, Fire and Emergency Services, Security Technology, PennComm & Emergency Communications, Security Services and Special Services.