Capital University Police Department has partnered with Rave Mobile Safety to bring students Guardian, a mobile phone application that enhances safety on campus through real-time interactive features.
“The goal is safety,” said Capital PD Chief Frank Fernandez. “There are so many ways to use the app that make it easier for students to interact with us.”
Guardian allows students to link their mobile device directly to Capital PD to improve their personal security on campus. Users create a safety profile, which includes important personal information such as residential details, automobile information, and medical information. This profile is sent directly to dispatchers in the event of an emergency.
“The most important part is completing the profile,” Fernandez said. “It speeds up the 911 call process. The dispatcher can skip some of the usual questions and we can respond faster.”
The Guardian allows users to contact law enforcement directly from within the application, as well as set a safety timer that runs in the background of their device.
In addition to connecting with local law enforcement, users can create a network of trusted friends and family. Members of this network can as contacts when the safety timer is used. During a timer session, the network members can check the user’s status.
“If you don’t want to involve [Capital PD], the timer is still useful,” Fernandez said. “You can set a friend or roommate or someone, and let them know where you are going, and how long it should take.”
If the Safety Timer is not deactivated before it expires, whoever is set as a guardian will be notified.
When Capital PD receives an alert from the application, a dispatcher is informed of the student’s location and safety profile. The alert will remain open until Capital PD resolves the situation.
The app also includes a feature that allows students to text tips and images to Capital PD.
“Tips will be received by a dispatcher, and appropriate measures will be taken,” Fernandez said. “It’s more discreet than a phone call and will help us keep campus safe.”
Alerts and tips are logged by the dispatcher, and after a case is closed, the records can only be accessed by court order.
“Student privacy is protected, we can’t access the records once they are cleared, and profiles are only displayed while cases are open,” Fernandez said. “But, we can track repeated abuse of the application, and prosecute offenders.”
If students have any questions regarding the application’s setup or use, they can contact Capital PD or the IT help desk.
The Rave Guardian application can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play. Additional technical information can be found on the Rave Mobile Safety website.
