New Smartphone Application Aims To Keep Students Safe
By Daniela Fiestas-Paredes
City College Campus Police Department launched the 911 Shield Safety app at the beginning of this semester to improve campus-wide security.
The application, which can be download on any smartphone, allows students to report crimes occurring on campus, seek help when needed and request safety services such as a police escort.
“We want to make students feel more comfortable communicating with us.”
—Campus police officer Tiffany Green
Campus Police Officer Tiffany Green explained the need to improve communication between campus police and students that led to the implementation of the 911 Shield Safety app.
“Younger (students) want to text and call, so we wanted to make students feel more comfortable with communicating with us,” Green said.
An altercation between three students on Oct. 13, 2015 led to a student allegedly brandishing a gun in Ocean Campus’s Rosenberg Library. The incident prompted the campus police department to provide a more effective system for students, faculty, and staff to report incidents.
Instant Help
The 911 Shield Safety app promises faster police response by notifying officers within a few seconds. It gives students the freedom to file reports both anonymously and discreetly, which in turn can help them feel safer.
The app gives students a means to text back and forth with dispatchers, and upload pictures and videos, to improve the accuracy of police reports.
“Everyone in the department is familiar with the app and how it works,” Green said.
Although the department expects to receive positive results from the new application, it is still too early to tell. There has been little publicity about the new app to notify students about it.
“I have never heard about it. What is it?” City College student Denise R. said.
More than 200 people have already signed up for the app and campus police expect more students to download it soon.
Alert Awareness
The campus police department is planning to distribute flyers around campus about the 911 Shield Safety app. They have also organized a giveaway that encourages its participants to sign up for and utilize the app, in return offering them the chance to win a mountain bike and a City College backpack.
Students must download and sign up for the app to participate and the giveaways Three winners will be selected during spring break.
“It seems to be pretty good, and offers a lot of protection to students by having the police handy, because 911 takes more time to get help,” student Michelle Bryant said, who downloaded the app. “This app will be more convenient.”
For more information about campus police services call 415-239-3200 or go to Cloud Hall room 119.
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Send an email to: Daniela Fiestas-Paredes