Public Safety | Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Department of Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine oversees the safety and security of the entire campus community, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors across three campuses.

The Public Safety team manages all security personnel, coordinates emergency response and preparedness efforts, and serves as the primary liaison to external agencies and local first responders.

Mission Statement

The Department of Public Safety strives to provide a safe and secure environment through collaboration with community stakeholders, the use of innovative technology, and training to empower the PCOM community.

Public Safety Team

Operations, Procedures and Resources

Founded in 1899, PCOM has operated across multiple campus sites, stretching from Center City, Philadelphia, westward. The current Pennsylvania campus, located at 4170 City Avenue, has served as the institution’s home since 1968. PCOM expanded its footprint with the establishment of PCOM Georgia in Suwanee in 2004 and, later, PCOM South Georgia in Moultrie in 2019.

Outside of campus, two healthcare centers are safeguarded by dedicated security personnel and supported by comprehensive electronic surveillance systems. Staffed security posts throughout each campus provide 24-hour protection, ensuring continuous monitoring and rapid response. As part of its public safety responsibilities, the College also conducts regular fire drills to maintain preparedness and compliance with safety standards.

 

Leadership

The Director of Public Safety is responsible for the administration and strategic oversight of safety, security, and emergency management operations across all PCOM campuses. This role ensures a safe, prepared, and well-supported campus community. Each campus maintains both in-house and contracted security personnel.

PCOM Badges

PCOM community members are required to show their badges when entering the building. Badges must be visibly worn at all times. To receive, replace, or request access with your ID badge, contact the Access Control Department by emailing them at pcomaccesscontrol@pcom.edu.

Visitor Management

All visitors must sign in with the front desk security before entering the building. Visitors include patients, family members of patients, contractors, or anyone not part of the college community who are looking to perform a task on campus. Minors (individuals 17 years old or younger) will not be able to sign in but must remain with their signed-in guardian at all times. Visitors will receive a temporary badge and must adhere it to the outermost garment, ensuring it is clearly visible to security personnel.

Escort

Public Safety personnel can escort individuals to their vehicle, classroom, or doctor's office upon request while on campus. Contact your Public Safety Department to request a security escort.

Reporting an Incident

When reporting an incident, contact any security personnel on campus for help. Security personnel are available 24/7 to respond to incidents that occur on PCOM properties.

Daily Crime Log

The Public Safety Department maintains a Daily Crime Log, which is easily accessible to the public online. A request to review the Daily Crime Log can be made to the Public Safety Department onsite or via email.

Patrols

The Public Safety personnel conduct frequent patrols of all three campuses to ensure the safety of the campus community. Security personnel monitor cameras in real time to check that exterior doors are secured and manage access to the campus building.

Law Enforcement

No member of the Public Safety team is armed or has arresting powers. The Department of Public Safety maintains a memorandum of understanding with the local law enforcement agency and collaborates with police agencies to ensure a swift and effective response to campus emergencies.

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, provides campus security information upon request for both our Pennsylvania and Georgia locations. The Department of Public Safety maintains a daily log of all reported crimes and all reported fires, ensuring transparency and timely access to safety information.

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act, is pleased to provide security information to any requester at any of our campus locations. Student applicants for admission, newly hired employees, students, full- and part-time employees, and medical professionals are especially invited to share this data.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine has implemented an emergency notification system (P.E.N.S.) that will inform students, faculty, and staff in the event of an emergency through phone text messaging and email. P.E.N.S. is a web-based mass notification system that allows College administrators to send text alerts and emails instantly and simultaneously to students, faculty, and staff in the event of a campus emergency. All PCOM Staff, Faculty, and Students are automatically enrolled in P.E.N.S.

The Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA), enacted on December 23, 2024, amends the Jeane Clery Campus Safety Act to prioritize the prevention of and transparency about hazing incidents at colleges and universities.

Campus Hazing Transparency Report

 

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