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 fully operational, nationally accredited state agency, devoted to the protection of the campus and its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Each of our 90 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.

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 classesin 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.
• Cybertheftis 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 Centeroffers 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/GTEmergencyand 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!