Message from the Director

On behalf of Drake Public Safety, I would like to welcome all new and returning students, faculty and staff members back home to Drake for the academic year.

As we all know for our new students, this can be an exciting new phase in your life, but can cause anxiety with your new surroundings. During orientations, members of our department provided information relative to campus safety and the various programs we have to offer.   Many of our programs are listed on our website, but I will highlight a few of our new initiatives as well as discuss some of the ongoing programs under way which we feel are beneficial to the campus community.

As we remind everyone as often as we can, we strongly encourage community members to register your communication devices with our Bulldog Alerts System. During emergencies on campus, you can receive text and voice messages in addition to any email messages sent through the Drake.edu email address. If you are returning and your contact information has changed, please make sure to sign into myDrake, and select "Bulldog Alerts Settings" under the Campus Resources column to provide that new information.  We strongly advise you to also familiarize yourself with the campus Emergency Procedures Manual located on our website. 

Drake Public Safety is regularly contacted by many departments and groups within the University and asked to do presentations on a wide range of topics including; Active Shooter Training, Violence in the Workplace, self-defense and many others. We are happy to provide this service to all who ask. If you are interested in learning more about these programs or to have a presentation for your department or group, please feel free to contact our Patrol Captain, Mark Risvold (mark.risvold@drake.edu).

At the end of September, we will be publishing the University’s Annual Security Report as required by the Jeanne Clery Act. Contained in this report will be the campus crime statistics for the past three years as well as over twenty two safety related policies. 

Lastly, I would like to discuss several security initiatives that we feel are very important to the campus.

Drake Guardian Mobile App - The Rave Guardian mobile phone app is available as a free download for all Drake University 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 – The Safe Ride bus will run throughout the semester, Su – We from 8 pm – 1 am and Th – Sa from 8pm – 2:30 am.  The bus will operate between 24^th -34^th street from Cottage Grove to College Ave.   

Bike Registration - Bicycle Permits are available for any Drake associated faculty, staff, or student.  Registration is free and easy.  Bicycle registration forms and permit stickers can be picked up at DPS headquarters or at the Student Services Center. 

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!

Go Bulldogs!

Scott Law
Executive Director, Public Safety & Operational Services