On behalf of Drake Public Safety, I would like to welcome all new and returning students, faculty, and staff back home to Drake for the 2016–2017 academic year. As we all know this is an exciting time in the school year. During orientations, members of Public Safety provided information relative to campus safety and the various programs we offer. As a reminder to both new and returning community members, many of our programs are listed on our website, but I would like to highlight a few of our initiatives.
We strongly encourage community members to register your communication devices with our Bulldog Alert System. During emergencies on campus, you can receive text and voice messages in addition to any email messages sent to your drake.edu email address. If you are returning and your contact information has changed, please click here to sign into blueView and click the “Campus Life” tab to provide that new information. In addition, we advise you to familiarize yourself with the campus Emergency Procedures Manual.
Last year, Drake Public Safety was contacted by many departments and groups within the University and asked to conduct presentations on a wide range of topics including active shooter training, violence in the workplace, self-defense, and many others. If you are interested in learning more about these programs or having a presentation for your department or group, please feel free to contact Patrol Captain Mark Risvold (mark.risvold@drake.edu).
Lastly, I would like to discuss several security initiatives that we feel are very important to the campus.
Drake Guardian Mobile App—The Drake Guardian mobile phone app is available as a free download for all Drake students, faculty, and staff. The app enhances safety on campus through real-time, interactive features that create a virtual safety network of friends, family, and Drake’s Department of Public Safety.
Safe Ride Program—Since the start of the fall 2015, Drake has been operating its own evening bus system. Once again, the bus will run throughout the semester, Sunday–Wednesday, from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.; and Thursday–Saturday, from 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. The bus will operate between 24th and 34th Streets from Cottage Grove to College Avenue.
Bike Registration—Bicycle permits are available for any Drake-associated faculty, staff, or students. Registration is free and easy. Bicycle registration forms and permit stickers can be picked up at DPS headquarters, 1227 25th St., or at the Student Services Center in Carnegie Hall. By obtaining a permit, we can more easily return stolen bikes that are recovered by Public Safety or the Des Moines Police Department.
The return of students to our campus for the Fall semester is an exciting and busy time for our department and staff, and we are happy to offer our assistance and expertise in ensuring all students, faculty, and staff have a safe and secure experience!
—Scott Law, Director, Drake Public Safety