In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing and the overnight death of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) police officer, security is top of mind for campus security officials across the country.  

Although there are no known threats to Georgia Tech, the Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) is taking this opportunity to remind members of the campus community that if they “see something, say something” by calling 404-894-2500 or emailing crimetips@police.gatech.edu.

 “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the MIT community and the family and friends of the officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” said Georgia Tech President G.P. “Bud” Peterson. “The incidents unfolding this week in Boston have touched us all, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to safety and security, and in particular, standing alongside our colleagues at peer institutions and the community of law enforcement professionals.”

The campus community is reminded that the Institute has the Georgia Tech Emergency Notification System (GTENS) in place to provide time-sensitive emergency messages using a number of tools including e-mail, voice and text messaging, outdoor sirens and a weather alert system designed to send messages to the campus community within minutes.

Georgia Tech’s Office of Emergency Preparedness, part of GTPD, has also developed emergency response plans to ensure the safety of the Tech community. The Emergency Preparedness staff also coordinates exercises year round to educate the campus on how to deal with various scenarios.

Students, faculty and staff are urged to sign up for Jacket Guardian, a free security tool that transforms mobile phones to personal safety devices. Jacket Guardian allows cellphone users to make an emergency call directly to GTPD and to provide profile information that might be helpful to first responders.

“Keeping our campus safe is a shared responsibility,” said GTPD Police Chief Teresa Crocker. “Don’t look the other way or ignore suspicious activity. If you see something that prompts concern, say something and notify GTPD immediately.”