The University of Pennsylvania was ranked No. 1 in safety and security in the higher education sector for the eighth consecutive year, according to Security Magazine’s “Security 500” list.

Security Magazine’s top-500 ranking creates a database for security organizations to establish benchmarks and measure themselves in comparison to the performance of their peers.

The acknowledgement is a point of pride for members of Penn’s Division of Public Safety.

“We are so grateful to be recognized for the eighth year in a row by Security Magazine as the No. 1 public safety organization in the country within the university market,” Maureen S. Rush, the vice president for Public Safety, said. “This accomplishment would not be possible without 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.”

The Division of Public Safety at the University of Pennsylvania is comprised of 176 personnel; 116 of whom are sworn police officers.