Public Safety
The dedicated personnel of The Division of Public Safety (DPS) are responsible for enhancing the quality of life, safety and security of our community. The Division accomplishes its mission through the delivery of a comprehensive and integrated safety and security program, in partnership with the community that we serve.
Programs
The Division of Public Safety provides services through seven departments under the direction of the Office of the Vice President for Public Safety:
- Penn Police
- Special Services
- PennComm & Emergency Communications
- Fire and Emergency Services
- Security Technology
- Security Services
- Finance and Administration
For more information on Public Safety, click here.
Vice President for Public Safety Kathleen Shields Anderson, J.D., MBA
Kathleen Shields Anderson serves as Vice President for the Division of Public Safety, overseeing the strategic direction of the Division and its 181 staff members. Ms. Shields Anderson joined the Division of Public Safety in 2012 as Executive Director of Operations, after serving as a Philadelphia Assistant District Attorney. In her time in the District Attorney’s Office, Ms. Shields Anderson worked in a number of capacities. In addition to preparing, investigating, and prosecuting major felony cases, including many jury trials, she participated in efforts to improve pre-trial charging procedures as a member of the District Attorney’s reformed Charging Unit.
Ms. Shields Anderson studied Political Science at the College of the Holy Cross, holds a J.D. from Villanova University School of Law and an MBA from Temple University Fox School of Business. Prior to law school, Kathleen served as a Legislative Aide in the U.S. House of Representatives. During this time, she was the principal staffer for natural resources, environmental, and international relations appropriations and policy, where she drafted and advocated for related legislation.