Division of Public Safety

Gary Williams sitting down and smiling at a table outdoors

In Gary Williams, a ‘one-of-a-kind’ chief of police

Vice President of the Division of Public Safety Kathleen Shields Anderson appointed Gary Williams as chief of police in January. He discusses how he got there and how he’s kept—and keeps—the Penn community safe.

Kathleen Shields Anderson leans against the wall of DPS headquarters

For new DPS VP, it’s all about ‘actions, not words’

Following a national search, Kathleen Shields Anderson was named vice president of Penn’s Division of Public Safety.

Deborah Millar demonstrates self-defense moves on a punching bag held by a person next to her.

The best defense is an empowered one

To gain control over their personal safety, many women turn to R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense), a nationally recognized program that teaches realistic self-defense tactics and techniques.

Making time off a time for side gigs for good

Penn Today profiles four faculty and staff members who use their time and talents to help others.

Maureen Rush, wearing red, with hands on hips talks and smiles with people on campus

After nearly three decades at Penn, Maureen Rush set to retire

The passionate public safety leader has made a big impact on campus and in Philadelphia.

mert students treating person with arm injury

Penn’s Medical Emergency Response Team, ‘prepared for anything’

The student-run organization, which includes nearly 70 undergraduates who are licensed EMTs, complements the Division of Public Safety and Philadelphia Fire Department by responding to medical emergencies on campus.

Penn’s Way kicks off workplace giving campaign, with $1.6M goal

The charitable giving campaign runs through Nov. 19. The campaign is built on three pillars: health care disparity, food insecurity, and social justice.

University of Pennsylvania police officer's encounter with group of bicyclists goes viral

Jenna Ficchi of the Department of Public Safety is getting praise for connecting with a local cyclist and then helping him distribute sandwiches.

Penn DPS police officers wearing face-coverings standing with bikes in front building on campus

How Penn first responders are dealing with the coronavirus on the front lines

COVID-19 presents challenges faced by first responders, including PennComm dispatchers and police officers.

Q&A

Penn’s Student Campus Compact, explained

In a Q&A, Gary Purpura of the Office of the Provost discusses the Student Campus Compact and behavioral expectations of students on campus in the fall semester.

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