Working Together for Campus Safety

Safety at Swarthmore is a shared responsibility. When students, faculty, and staff remain vigilant and look out for one another, our community becomes a strong deterrent against crime. We encourage every member of the Swarthmore community to report criminal activity, safety concerns, and suspicious behavior immediately.

How to Contact Public Safety

  • Emergency Phone: (610) 328-8333 (From campus landlines: dial x8333)

  • Non-Emergency Phone: (610) 328-8281 (From campus landlines: dial x8281)

  • Emergency Call Boxes (Blue Light Phones): Located throughout campus outdoor areas and pathways. Pressing the red button instantly connects you to Public Safety dispatchers.

  • Local Emergency Services (911): Dialing 911 connects directly to Delaware County Emergency Dispatch to summon the Swarthmore Police Department or Swarthmore Fire & EMS.

  • Online Reporting: Non-emergency incidents can also be submitted through the Department of Public Safety online reporting portal.

Why Reporting Matters

Prompt reporting allows Public Safety to assess situations quickly, dispatch officers, and issue timely warnings or emergency notifications to protect the campus community when an ongoing threat exists. Accurate reporting also ensures campus crime statistics are properly maintained under the Clery Act.

  • Confidentiality: Information provided to Public Safety is treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law. While anonymous reports are accepted, we encourage reporters to identify themselves whenever possible, as anonymous tips can significantly limit our ability to investigate thoroughly.

  • Police Collaboration: For serious incidents, local agencies such as the Swarthmore Borough Police Department may assist or respond jointly.

  • Insurance Documentation: Filing an official report with Public Safety or local police is generally a required step to process personal property insurance claims following a theft, loss, or property damage.

What to Expect When You Report an Incident

While specific questions depend on the nature of the event, dispatchers and officers will typically ask:

  • Your name, status (student, staff, faculty, visitor), and contact information.

  • The exact nature of the incident (e.g., theft, burglary, assault, suspicious activity).

  • The date, time, and specific location where the incident occurred.

  • Descriptions of any involved individuals, vehicles, or direction of travel.

Safety Programs & Community Services

We strongly encourage community members to utilize the range of safety services offered by the Department:

  • Public Safety Escorts: Walking safety escorts are available 24/7 for anyone walking on campus grounds who feels unsafe. Contact dispatch to request an officer.

  • The SwatSafe App: Download Swarthmore's mobile safety application for quick access to emergency contacts, location sharing, real-time alerts, and silent reporting features.

  • Property Registration: Register bicycles, laptops, and valuable electronics with Public Safety to assist in identification and recovery if lost or stolen.

  • Safety Education & Training: We offer active threat response training, personal safety workshops, and crime prevention walk-throughs for campus facilities.

Your questions, feedback, and safety suggestions are vital to our operations. Please feel free to reach out to the Department of Public Safety at any time.