The Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) will join forces with area law enforcement agencies to host its annual Campus Safety Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 29.
The event will feature demonstrations by GTPD’s K-9 unit, and officers will be on hand with many of the resources and equipment they use daily in their work. The other participating agencies will include the Atlanta Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, the Atlanta Fire Department, Fulton County Sheriff’s Department, the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, Emory University and Georgia State University, as well as other community partners. In addition, a simulator will let attendees feel the impairment and effects of driving under the influence and texting while driving. There will also be SWAT and bomb squad demonstrations, and a roll-over crash simulator.
“Campus safety is our top priority,” said Georgia Tech Police Chief Rob Connolly. “We want to ensure the entire campus community is aware of the resources available to them and gets a chance to connect with our community and law enforcement partners. Events like this enable us to do that.”
GTPD is also encouraging attendees to download the LiveSafe safety app onsite and utilize the tool as they move around campus. The app is available for iPhone and Android phones and provides a quick and convenient way to communicate with campus police. The free app includes an anonymous mechanism for sharing crime tips, including text, photo, and video. Users can also elect to receive alerts and notifications from GTPD through the app and to share their location with selected friends or family members when they are on the go.
This is the sixth year GTPD has hosted Campus Safety Day. It’s an important part of their community policing outreach efforts, according to Crime Prevention Officer Jessica Howard.
“For our department, it’s not just about traffic stops. It’s about building relationships,” Howard said. “We’re seeing these students day in and day out, and they get to know our officers on a personal basis.”
Additionally, GTPD offers a number of safety classes and programs including Personal Safety 101, Self-Defense, and Crime Prevention 101. For a full list, go to http://www.police.gatech.edu/safety-programs.
Also, remember these safety tips:
- Walk in well-lit areas. To report inoperative exterior campus lighting, visit: http://www.facilities.gatech.edu/om/requests/lighting.php.
- Walk with a friend or in a group.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Immediately report suspicious activity to the GTPD by calling 404.894.2500. Program GTPD's number into your cellphone.
- For on-campus transportation from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., request a ride at Stingerette.com or call 404.385.7433.
- Safety escorts are available through the GTPD by calling 404.894.2500 or 4-GTPD.