Practicing Safety at Tech

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Atlanta, GA | Posted: July 8, 2013

Contact

Robert Connolly
Deputy Chief, Georgia Tech Police Department
robert.connolly@police.gatech.edu

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Providing a safe and secure environment, while sustaining and nurturing an open campus, is Georgia Tech’s top priority. Faculty, staff, and administrators devote significant resources to the provision and maintenance of a safe and secure campus community. Though we have a staff of more than 80 police officers patrolling the campus, it is important to remember we are located in a large, urban environment. As your student begins college at Tech, they should understand and embrace the following safety tips.

Safety tips:

  • In an event of an emergency, students should call the Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) at 404.894.2500. Students should program this number into their cell phones.
  • If in need of late-night campus transportation, use the Stingerette after-hours shuttle service. Students should also program 404.385.7433 into their cell phones.
  • Students should remove all valuables from their vehicle to help prevent break-ins.  Leaving any items in plain view — GPS devices, laptops, purses, spare change, books, and gym bags —increases the risk for a vehicle break-in.
  • If a suspicious or armed person demands property, students should comply with the request then immediately seek police assistance.
  • If students see something suspicious, they should contact the GTPD immediately.
  • Keep doors and windows locked, especially when your student is not in their room.
  • Register all laptops and bicycles with GTPD to help the recovery process in the event of theft. This is a FREE service. For more information visit www.police.gatech.edu/services.
  • Follow the Georgia Tech Police Department on Facebook www.facebook.com/GaTechPD and Twitter @GaTechPD
  • Register for Jacket Guardian, a new security service for the campus that transforms mobile phones into personal safety devices. Jacket Guardian allows cell phone users to create a personal information profile, including the upload of a picture. The profile is forwarded to first responders along with GPS location when the system is activated.  The information is secure and can only be seen when the system is activated.  It also provides a proactive "timer" feature that allows students to specify how long it will take to complete certain activities and sends an alert to the police if the timer expires.  It is an opt-in system that enables users' profile information to appear in the Atlanta, or any, Smart911 center. Sign up for free at www.police.gatech.edu/services/jacketguardian.

 Crime prevention measures:

  • Georgia Tech has 82 sworn police officers that patrol campus 24-hours a day on foot, motorcycle, bicycle, car, Segway and sometimes with a K-9 companion.
  • Atlanta Police and Georgia Tech Police work together daily to increase public safety around the perimeter of the campus.
  • The Stingerette after hours transport runs from 6 p.m. – 7 a.m., so students do not have to walk on campus after dark.
  • There are more than 400 emergency “blue” phones located throughout the campus.
  • Key or secure card entry to all residence halls.
  • Georgia Tech provides free training and safety classes in self-defense, sexual violence, alcohol safety and emergency preparedness.
  • Counseling services available 24-hours a day through the Georgia Tech Counseling Center.
  • Housing staff available 24-hours a day.
  • Georgia Tech Emergency Notification System (GTENS) emergency text message system in place for all students who sign up. Students should sign up at BuzzPort.gatech.edu.
  • SkyCop Mobile Surveillance Unit is a portable video surveillance trailer used on Tech’s campus that enables Georgia Tech police officers to remotely monitor areas from their patrol cars.
  • Campus outdoor siren warning system.
  • Emergency alerts to classrooms are delivered through computers and projectors that are connected to the campus computer network.
  • Students are required to enter emergency contact information on Buzzport. Click on the red phone icon after logging in at BuzzPort.gatech.edu.

 Students can help reduce their risk of being a victim of a crime and increase their personal safety. For more information visit the Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) website www.police.gatech.edu. Recent crime statistics may be found at the police website or at www.crimereports.com.

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Status
  • Created By: Rachael Pocklington
  • Workflow Status: Published
  • Created On: Jul 8, 2013 - 9:11am
  • Last Updated: Oct 7, 2016 - 11:14pm