Your student's safety is a top priority at Georgia Tech. For this reason, we are taking extra precautions due to the three incidents that have occurred on campus since October 1, 2011. As noted in previous safety alerts sent to the entire student community, all three incidents involved female students who were walking alone on campus during the evening and early morning hours. In each situation, they were grabbed from behind by an unknown male. We are thankful that there were no serious injuries involved.

The Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) is immediately enhancing campus patrols. In addition, GTPD is joining forces with the Atlanta Police Department, the Georgia State Patrol and other law enforcement agencies to address concerns here and similar safety matters in the Zone 5 area. Officers will also be available along Tech Walk on October 5, 6 and 7, between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., to answer any questions or address any concerns that your student may have.

Your student's safety begins with his/her own awareness and commitment, and we urge all students to take an active role in their safety and well-being including asking students to take the following actions:
* Immediately notify the Georgia Tech Police Department at 404-894-2500 if you notice any suspicious activity.
* If you are a victim of a crime, immediately report the incident to campus police.
* Emergency blue light phones are strategically located around the campus. Press the red emergency button to contact campus police.
* Walk or jog in groups.
* Be alert of your surroundings; walk confidently and briskly and avoid doing other activities while walking, such as talking on your cell phone or using an iPod.
* For on-campus transportation from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., contact the Stingerette at 404-385-7433 or 5-RIDE.
* Safety escorts will be provided by the Georgia Tech Police Department by calling 404-894-2500 or 4-GTPD.
* Enter the GTPD phone number, 404-894-2500, in your personal cell phone.

Campus safety is of the highest importance at Georgia Tech. The Georgia Tech Police Department posts crime alerts at www.police.gatech.edu/crimeinfo/crimealerts. Parents are also encouraged to review the Campus Safety information on the Parents Program website. We appreciate your assistance in reinforcing this safety information with your sons and daughters in our efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment for our entire campus community.