Campus Security combats safety risks with new app
Photo by Anna Shand
Earlier this semester, Campus Security introduced the student body to the LiveSafe App through an email. With safety alerts increasing during the past week, students are encouraged to use the additional safety measures offered.
On Thursday night, Feb. 11, students received an email from Director of Campus Security Matt Brinkman, notifying them of a situation in the School of Music parking lot.
“At approximately 6:00 p.m. this evening, a male parked in a white vehicle behind the School of Music was performing lewd acts and attempting to gain the attention of a female student,” said Brinkman.
A charge was given to students to call Campus Security or the Cleveland Police Department upon seeing anyone fitting the description.
“Know that we are committed to protecting our campus and stand ready to assist you,” Brinkman said in closing.
Two hours later, Brinkman sent an updated email, providing information from surveillance cameras in the SOM parking lot.
“The car is a Silver Toyota Corolla with a New York license plate of JJJ 5239. The car has been traced to Hertz rental company. This information has been turned over to the Cleveland Police Department,” said Brinkman.
This email comes only a week after a similar email from Brinkman, which warned students of a suspicious person near the Sharp-Davis residence hall. With these recent safety concerns in mind, Campus Security encourages the student body to learn more about the new LiveSafe app.
The selection of LiveSafe has been in the works for a while, along with other options on how to increase campus safety. Many universities choose to install emergency call boxes as a safety measure, but Brinkman explained that upon further research, schools were choosing apps as the main form of safety.
“In an emergency, would you feel more comfortable running to a blue pole, stopping and waiting on somebody to answer, or to be able to dial out while you’re leaving the area and know response is on the way?” said Brinkman, concerning the call boxes and apps.
On the app, students have multiple options for services. Students can report suspicious activity, access emergency options, access resources and use SafeWalk through the app. Students can also access Campus Ride, Campus Maps and the Health Screening Tool through the app.
“We want to make sure that we’re not just getting new apps for the sake of being trendy,” said Director of IT Services Nate Tucker. “It needs to meet a specific need, and it can’t be a limited population. If you get to the place where you have too many mobile apps, it’s just going to get confusing.”
Tucker also explained that the process of finding and choosing LiveSafe took time to ensure the highest quality security and resources.
One of the most highlighted features of the app is SafeWalk. Students can choose a friend to view them as they walk from one location to the next. If the student’s location does not arrive within the average walking time, Campus Security is notified to reach out. If an emergency arises, students can directly contact Campus Security, and they will send help immediately.
“Everything that goes on, the dispatchers will get. From the time that you send an alert, it will instantly alert the screen. They will respond to it, whether that means to send officers or not, but it geotags where you are. As soon as you send it, it pops up exactly where you are on our screen, and we can track you from there,” said Brinkman.
With the recent safety issues occurring on campus, students have expressed a desire for better security and communication. Campus Security hopes this app will be used by the student population.
“Take advantage of the services that are provided. It will help you to be more safe if you are engaged in the use of the app,” said Tucker.
Campus Security uses multiple approaches to acquire a safe campus life among all students, and they hope that “all of this combined provides for a safe environment.”
Students can notify Campus Security of any recent suspicious activity through LiveSafe or contact them at (423) 303-4444 or email security@leeuniversity.edu.
