Staying Safe in Philadelphia

Living in Philadelphia comes with many advantages, from its rich cultural diversity and historic landmarks to its vibrant nightlife.

While exploring all that the city has to offer, it is also important to stay mindful of your surroundings and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Staying informed and practicing smart safety measures can help you avoid potential risks and fully enjoy your time at Penn and Philadelphia.

Forms of Personal Identification

As an international student or scholar at Penn, it is essential to always have access to your important immigration documents. We strongly recommend that you carry digital copies of the following:

Unexpired Passport (biographical page)
U.S.-Issued Visa Page
Most Recent and Unexpired I-20 (for F-1 students) or DS-2019 (for J-1 students and scholars)
I-94 Arrival Record (showing “D/S” for Duration of Status)

It is important to note that we also recommend that you do not carry original copies of important personal documents unless absolutely necessary.Original documents should be safely stored in your home or in a safe deposit box at a local bank.

In addition, we encourage students and scholars to apply for a REAL ID-compliant Photo ID Card. For more information on how to obtain a REAL ID-compliant Pennsylvania Driver’s License or Photo ID Card, visit https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/real-id.html. If you have any questions, please reach out to ISSS for assistance

In Case of an Emergency

During Normal Business Hours

In the event of an emergency during normal business hours, contact:

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
3935 Walnut St, 5th Floor
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-3199
Phone: (215) 898-4661
E-mail

After Normal Business Hours

In the event of a serious illness, injury, or death requiring assistance or support from a staff member at ISSS after normal business hours, contact:

Penn Division of Public Safety
4040 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
Phone: (215) 573-3333 or 511 (from any campus phone)
DPS will contact the appropriate ISSS staff member for assistance.

Your Emergency Contact Information

It is also important that you keep your emergency contact information up to date.

Division of Public Safety

The dedicated members of the Division of Public Safety (DPS) are responsible for enhancing the quality of life, safety, and security of Penn’s community. DPS accomplishes this mission through the delivery of a comprehensive and integrated safety and security program, in partnership with the community that we serve.

Location:
4040 Chestnut St.
Tel: 215-898-7297 (general information)

Emergency phone numbers:
Philadelphia Police: 911
University Police: 215-573-333 or 511 (from a campus phone)

Visit the public safety website

Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, between 30th to 43rd Streets and Market Street to Baltimore Avenue.

Public Safety Officers provide walking escorts to all campus locations. Officers are dispatched by radio and will accompany you from one campus location to another, to your parked vehicle, to a Penn Transit Stop or to an on-campus SEPTA regional transit stop.

Escorts also extends west to 50th Street, and north/south from Spring Garden to Woodland Avenue, between 10 a.m. and 12 a.m. via the University’s partnership with the University District Ambassador Program.

How to Request a Walking Escort

Ask any Public Safety Officer on patrol or inside a building
Call 215-898-WALK(9255) or 511 (from campus phone)

Learn More

Practical Tips to Remain Safe

While crime exists in every community, taking simple precautions can help reduce the risk of theft or robbery.

While some situations may be unavoidable, staying aware and making smart choices can go a long way in keeping yourself and your belongings safe.

When traveling, consider using major credit cards (e.g., VISA, Mastercard, and American Express) or traveler’s checks, redeemable for cash at most banks and stores. Do not carry or display large amounts of money or jewelry.
Keep your personal belongings secure by keeping money, jewelry, and valuable documents in your possession. Do not leave valuables in luggage, storage locker, or cars.
If you’re heading out at night, it is strongly recommended that you travel with others or use reliable transportation. Penn Transit provides safe transportation services to members of the Penn Community.
If someone approaches you demanding your money, do not resist – it is better to lose your money than to risk your safety. In the rare case you experience such an incident, it is usually safest to first comply calmly and notify the police as quickly as possible afterward. Throughout the U.S., you can reach emergency services by dialing 911. Emergency services include police, the fire department, and emergency medical services.
Beware of asking strangers for help. When asking for help or information, try to approach someone in uniform (e.g., policy officer) or a position of authority, as this can offer an added layer of trust.
Also beware of “con artists” or individuals who offer you money or opportunities to make money in exchange for a small service or favor. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is – especially if the offer is from people you don’t know well. Trust your instincts and seek advice if unsure.
Take necessary steps to protect yourself from identify theft, scams, and financial fraud. For detailed information about ways you can protect yourself, visit the Special Topics section below. Above all, refrain from carrying original copies of important personal documents unless absolutely necessary and keep these documents safely stored in your home or in a safe deposit box at a local bank.
It is also important to familiarize yourself with the Personal Safety Tips provided by the Penn Police and follow them meticulously and consistently.

Preventing Identity Theft

Identity theft has become a growing problem in the United States. Identity theft is when someone illegally obtains and uses your personal information—such as your name, Social Security number, credit card details, or bank account information—without your permission. This can lead to unauthorized purchases, financial fraud, or other fraudulent activities.

To protect against identity theft, keep important documents, such as your passport, visa, immigration documents, Social Security Number, and financial information (e.g., credit cards and bank account information), in a secure place. Refrain from carrying original copies of important personal documents unless absolutely necessary and keep these documents safely stored in your home or in a safe deposit box at a local bank.

Shredding documents with personal details before discarding them can also help protect your information. We also recommend shredding any credit card solicitations you may receive in the mail.

Preventing Other Forms of Fraud

From the Division of Public Safety:

There have been reports of fraudulent emails, phone calls and encounters from people pretending to be a government official, either from the U.S., or from a victim’s home country. Recent examples include claims to be police and tax officials, such as the People’s Republic of China (PRC) law enforcement officers.

Other examples scammers may claim to be includes someone from the IRS (Internal Revenue Service), ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), CBP (Customs and Border Protection), FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation), a U.S. Consulate, or other government agency.

Penn’s Division of Public Safety posted a full announcement warning of frauds and multiple scam types.

View Full DPS Warning

Tips to Prevent Fraud

It is strongly advised to contact Penn’s Division of Public Safety first before you provide any personal information to someone you do not know.
Actual U.S. officials never ask you for personal identifying information by phone or email. You should never give someone your personal information such as name, date of birth, address, and bank account.
Government agencies will never directly ask you for money. If someone asks you for money, never provide your bank account information, never purchase gift cards for them, and never give out your social security number if you have one. Never wire money to individuals who are unknown to you.
Scam artists may sometimes manipulate their phone number so that it appears that they are calling from a true government agency. They may have specific information about you (where you are from, your school etc.) that they discover from public or hacked information so they may appear to be legitimate, but it is best to first contact Penn’s Division of Public Safety.
Do not turn over your phone or other electronic devices to someone claiming to be working on behalf of an official. Do not consent to video or audio monitoring.
If you are told to travel to a second location (i.e. CVS, Target, etc.) please instead go directly to the Penn Police Headquarters at 4040 Chestnut Street or your closest Police station.
Additionally, avoid carrying important documents such as your passport with you; make a copy and keep the originals in a secure location.

If You Think You Are a Victim of Fraud

Penn’s Division of Public Safety is here for you if you should experience phone, email, or other fraud. Please call DPS immediately at +1 215-573-3333 if you think you may have experienced such an encounter.

Other Safety Resources

You may call Penn Police anytime, 24/7/365 at: +1 215-573-3333.

Remember your other safety resources, including 24/7/365 (free) Walking Escort Services by dialing +1 215-898- 9255 (WALK).

Attending Protests

International students and scholars often inquire about their rights with regards to attending protests/demonstrations in the United States. Even as a non-U.S. citizen, you may use your discretion to participate in protests as long as you are not posing any threat or harm to others (including property damage).

If you are attending a protest that becomes violent or threatening in a way that could result in your arrest, you should leave the event, as an arrest could negatively impact your ability to remain in the U.S. or jeopardize your future academic/professional plans in the country.

In addition

Please take note of the following guidance from the American Civil Liberties Union (Source: ACLU, Know Your Rights: Protesters’ Rights):

Your rights are strongest in what are known as “traditional public forums,” such as streets, sidewalks, and parks. You also likely have the right to speak out on other public property, like plazas in front of government buildings, as long as you are not blocking access to the government building or interfering with other purposes the property was designed for.

Private property owners can set rules for speech on their property. The government may not restrict your speech if it is taking place on your own property or with the consent of the property owner.

When you are lawfully present in any public space, you have the right to photograph anything in plain view, including federal buildings and the police. On private property, the owner may set rules related to photography or video.

If you are attending a protest or demonstration and feel that you are in danger, please contact the Penn Division of Public Safety (DPS) at 215-573-3333 or 511 (from a campus phone) or the Philadelphia Police by calling 911.

Know Your Rights

In the event you have been arrested or detained you have the right to notify your government:

If you so choose, the police must inform the appropriate consulate or embassy immediately.
Your consular officers have the right to visit you and arrange for your legal representation.
Many countries (i.e., China, Nigeria, and Singapore) require that the consul be notified when their nationals are confined or detained. In these cases, you have no choice in the matter of whether the authorities notify your consulate; they must do so.
If you are accused of a crime, in most cases you should obtain legal advice from an attorney.