Providing a safe and secure environment, while sustaining and nurturing an open campus, is Georgia Tech’s top priority. The Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) is a nationally accredited state agency devoted to the protection of the campus and its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. All sworn officers have authority to enforce laws as well as Institute regulations. They issue citations, make arrests, and are the first to respond to all campus emergencies.

More than 86 sworn police officers patrol the campus 24-hours a day, but 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 tips to reduce the chance of being a victim of crime.

Personal Safety

• LiveSafe, a powerful safety app, was selected by Georgia Tech students and is a free download for mobile phones. Features include “GoSafe,” which invites roommates, friends, and family to virtually follow students as they travel from one location to another (particularly helpful after a late night studying session).
• In an event of an emergency, students can contact GTPD through LiveSafe or by calling 404.894.2500. We encourage students to program this number into their cell phones, in addition to downloading the LiveSafe app.
• GTPD provides free training and safety classes in self-defense, alcohol safety, and emergency preparedness.
• If a suspicious or armed person demands their property, students should comply with the request, then immediately seek police assistance. There are more than 500 emergency “blue” phones located inside and outside buildings throughout the campus.

Crime Prevention Tips

• The most common crimes on campus are thefts of opportunity. Students should never walk away from their belongings or leave them unsecured.
• Students who have vehicles on campus should remove or hide all valuables 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.
• All residence halls have key or secure-card entry. Students should be wary of anyone who attempts entry without a key.
• When not in their room, or when asleep, students should keep all doors and windows locked.
• Cybertheft is on the rise. Students should report to GTPD any kind of unsolicited demand for money or investment “opportunity” they receive, especially from someone who claims to represent the U.S. government.
• If students see anything suspicious, they should contact the GTPD immediately. We’re happy to investigate any cause for concern.

Other Safety Measures

• Students are required to enter emergency contact information on Buzzport. Click on the red phone icon after logging in at buzzport.gatech.edu.
• Georgia Tech provides after-hours transport options, including the Midnight Rambler and the Stingerette, so students do not have to walk on campus after dark. Students can request Stingerette rides through the LiveSafe app.
• GTPD provides after-hours escorts for any students who request them.
• GTPD offers many free services including laptop engraving and bicycle registration to help the recovery process in the event of theft.
• Campus-wide emergency alerts are delivered through an outdoor siren warning system and to classrooms through computers and projectors that are connected to the campus computer network. In addition, the Georgia Tech Emergency Notification System (GTENS) alerts students to campus-wide emergencies via email. Students can opt into additional voice and text messages by registering at buzzport.gatech.edu.
• GTPD collaborates with the Atlanta Police Department to increase public safety around the perimeter of the campus.

You can learn earn much more about safety on campus by talking with an officer, exploring our website, police.gatech.edu, and following GTPD on Facebook www.facebook.com/GaTechPD, Instagram @GaTechPD, and Twitter @GaTechPD. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (a Division of GTPD) also provides emergency information and updates through Facebook www.facebook.com/GTEmergency and Twitter @GTPDalerts.

We look forward to a safe and productive year!