The Georgia Institute of Technology places the highest priority on providing a safe and secure environment for the students, staff, faculty, and visitors of our community. With the support of the Institute, the Georgia Tech Police Department is able to maintain a police force of over 90 sworn officers who dedicated to the safety and security of the campus and surrounding community 24/7. Additional support is provided by dispatch officers, public safety officers, emergency management staff, and office administrative staff, including a full-time crime analyst.

A crime log, crime statistics, crime map and our most recent Annual Safety Report are readily available on our website: police.gatech.edu. You can also read more about our Department and our programs there.

We know, however, that many of you are concerned about unrest and crime in Atlanta over the past few months, and how it may affect your student. Please be assured that we are continually monitoring situations and events that have the potential to impact public safety on campus. We are committed to proactively addressing and communicating safety concerns to ensure the Georgia Tech community remains safe and secure.

We encourage you to contact us directly to discuss any safety concerns in further detail. For general questions, please send an email to crimeprevention@police.gatech.edu. I can be reached directly at Robert.Connolly@police.gatech.edu.

Officers patrol the campus 24 hours a day on foot, motorcycle, bicycle, car, ATV, and Segway (sometimes with a K-9 companion) – but it is important to remember we are located in a large, urban environment. Whether your student is just beginning their college experience or returning to 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

• The most commonly stolen items are bicycles. Purchase a good quality U-lock to secure bicycles, and a good quality bicycle helmet as well. Georgia Tech is located in an urban area, and cyclists are required to ride the roads and obey all motor vehicle laws.

• Students are required to enter emergency contact information on Buzzport. Click on the red phone icon after logging in at buzzport.gatech.edu.

• GT Parking & Transportation Services 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 feel unsafe. 

• The Georgia Tech Counseling Center offers stress management and wellness workshops, as well as free counseling and emergency services for students.

• Housing staff are on duty 24 hours a day if students lose their keys.

• 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 facebook.com/GaTechPD, Instagram @GaTechPD, and Twitter @GaTechPD. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (a Division of GTPD) also provides emergency information and updates through prepare.gatech.edu, Facebook facebook.com/GTEmergency and Twitter @GTPDalerts.

The men and women of the Georgia Tech Police Department are available 24/7/365 and are dedicated to campus safety. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any reason. 

We look forward to a safe and productive year!