UPennAlert

Retail Robbery

On Saturday, October 5, Penn Police responded to a report of a retail robbery at the Old Nelson Food Market in the 100 block of S. 30th Street. Upon arrival, police discovered that the suspects assaulted an employee before running from the store on foot.
The two suspects were described as between the ages of 15 to 18 years of age, the first was described as a Black male, dark complected, 5’5”-5’6” tall, wearing all black clothing, an Under Armour branded shirt, a black hooded sweatshirt, and durag, possibly carrying a firearm. The second was described as a Black male with long braids, wearing green sweatpants, and a gray and white hooded sweatshirt, black sneakers, and carrying a multicolored backpack. They fled southbound on 30th Street towards Walnut Street.

Police and Security are patrolling the area.

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UPDATE: All clear in the area of 30th and Chestnut Street. You may resume usual activity. Police and security are patrolling the area.

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UPennAlert: Retail Robbery in the area of 30th and Chestnut Street (Old Nelson’s Market). Increased police activity in the area. Police on scene, use caution, avoid the immediate area.

The suspects are described as:

1. 15 to 18 year old Black male, dark complected, 5’5”-5’6” tall, wearing all black clothing, an under armour shirt,  a black hooded sweatshirt and durag, possibly carrying a firearm.

2. 15 to 18 year old Black male with long braids, wearing green sweatpants, and a gray and white hooded sweatshirt, black sneakers, and carrying a multicolored backpack.

The suspects were last seen heading southbound on 30th Street towards Walnut Street.

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The Division of Public Safety has developed a few helpful risk reduction strategies outlined below. Know that it is never the fault of the person impacted (victim/survivor) by crime.

  • Stay out of immediate area.
  • Stay alert and reduce distractions; using cellphones, ear buds, etc. may limit your awareness.
  • Orient yourself to your surroundings. (Identify your location, nearby exits, etc.)
  • Utilize 24/7/365 Walking Escort services (215-898-WALK/9255).
  • Only carry necessary documents.
  • Keep your valuables out of sight.
  • Be respectful of those involved in the incident.
  • If you believe you see the described suspect, do not engage – call 215-573-3333.
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The Division of Public Safety will continue to ensure the highest level of safety and security for our community.

Emergencies 215-573-3333 / 511 (campus phone)
General Information 215-898-7297
Special Services 215-898-4481 (215-898-6600 off-hours)
HELP Line 215-898-HELP (4357)
DPS Headquarters 4040 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Update UPennAlert Info PennGuardian Registration
Walking Escort 215-898-WALK (9255)
Penn Transit Ride 215-898-RIDE (7433)
08/31/2020

Division of Public Safety Statement on the Death of George Floyd

Thursday, June 4, 2020

On May 25th the world witnessed the horrible and cruel death of Mr. George Floyd at the hands of four Minneapolis Police Officers.  I say four officers, because three officers stood by and watched their colleague take Mr. Floyd’s life over a very painful eight minutes, forty-six seconds, while Mr. Floyd begged for his life, and called upon his deceased mother to help him.  Every time I watch that video I feel both rage at the actions of these ex-police officers and a deep sadness that this man died such a public, painful, and illegal death.  This incident triggered a call to action across America.

The delay in charging ex-police officer Derek Chauvin with murder, escalated the intensity we are witnessing across the country. The State’s delay in charging the other three officers with related offense until today, also contributed to the pain and anger felt across the nation.

We will continue to support those exercising their First Amendment protected right to protest the injustice they see and feel. We have assisted in providing safe passage for these civically engaged individuals and will continue to do so.

Actions of bad actors in police departments, disgrace ALL police officers and police departments across our country.  This is why we in the UPPD ensure that our hiring, retention, discipline, and ultimately dismissal processes are fair and swift.

Our officers attend many trainings to better understand, relate to, communicate with and support our community. For many years we have sent Police Officers and PennComm personnel to the Washington, DC Holocaust Museum to an education program for Law Enforcement officers developed and delivered by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).  This training is important because it teaches us how dangerous it is for people in authority, who have power over other people, to misuse that power. This training must be internalized and practiced everyday by every police officer in our agency. Police Officers have the ultimate power over people’s lives, and when not used appropriately and lawfully, it can result in the death of a human being.

We have two mottos for our agency.  “It’s all About Relationships” and “Make Emotional Deposits in the Bank”.  We often talk about why it’s important to make emotional deposits in the bank – because someday, somewhere across the country, one or more police officers will do something so outrageous that it puts a blemish on our department, our badge. I am proud of the way everyone in DPS makes Emotional Deposits every day.  Because of them, we are a highly respected and loved Police Department and Division of Public Safety.

We urge everyone to keep your hearts open, as we pledge to as well. Keep the faith during this very difficult time.

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Maureen S. Rush, M.S., CPP
Vice President of Public Safety
Superintendent of Penn Police
Division of Public Safety
University of Pennsylvania

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