PERSONAL SAFETY
For your personal safety and the well-being of the community, always practice the following strategies:
Use the LiveSafe Mobile App. LiveSafe is a personal security system that connects users with GUPD when activated during an emergency situation. The app also allows users to report suspicious activity, request a SafeRide Shuttle or personal escort, access resources on emergency preparedness, and use SafeWalk to share your location with friends.
Sign Up for HOYAlert Text Alerts. Receive important and immediate emergency alerts in the event of threats to safety on any of the university campuses, the best way to stay informed about safety on campus. You can also “follow” HOYAlert on Twitter.
If You See Something… Say Something. Program phone numbers for the Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD), (202) 687-4343, and Georgetown’s EMS responders, GERMS, (202) 687-4357, into your phones. Off-campus, contact 9-1-1 to report an emergency. If you are concerned about threatening behavior or are worried about potential violence to the university or someone at Georgetown, contact the Georgetown Threat Assessment Program.
Be Aware and Vigilant. Never walk alone at night, and always walk along well-lit and well-traveled routes. Take earbuds out of your ears, and keep your attention on your surroundings rather than your phone. Please use caution and use marked crosswalks, particularly near on-campus construction areas. Always walk bicycles and scooters on sidewalks and reduce speed when approaching pedestrians and/or construction zones. Scooters should never be taken or ridden indoors. Please be considerate of community members, and keep your voices down and your behavior respectful as you move through the residential neighborhoods.
Sexual Misconduct Resources and Response. Georgetown has resources in place to support members of the University community who have experienced or wish to report sexual misconduct, which includes all forms of interpersonal violence. These resources include options for medical care, safety planning, confidential counseling, and other supportive measures. Additionally, off-campus resources are available for the University community. All resources may also be found on the Sexual Misconduct Reference Guide.
Report a Bias Incident. The University considers acts of hate and bias unacceptable and antithetical to its commitment to an inclusive and respectful community. Through the Bias Reporting System, Georgetown is able to track, review, and respond to bias-related incidents.
Take Precautions with Ridesharing. Always check that the vehicle, license plate and driver information matches what’s listed in the rideshare app. Don’t give away your name prior to entering the vehicle, instead ask the driver to confirm the name of who they are picking up.
Fire Safety. It is important that all community members take fire-safety precautions and are prepared for building emergency evacuations. In the event you discover fire or smoke, or if you hear the fire alarm:
- Leave the building immediately via the stairs. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS.
- As you leave, close all doors, including any that are propped open, and pull the fire alarm station, if not already ringing.
- Once outside, follow directions from the Building Emergency Coordinators and GUPD and gather in designated assembly areas. Do not congregate in front of the entrance to the building.
- Remain outside the building until the “ALL CLEAR” is given by Building Emergency Coordinators or GUPD. Please note: silencing of the alarms does not constitute an “ALL CLEAR.”
Students in university housing should take special care to note prohibited items that are a fire hazard. If you are living off-campus, please make sure your residence has working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers.
SECURING YOUR PROPERTY
We want your belongings to be safe, and the university cannot be responsible for personal items. Therefore, please take the following actions to protect your items:
Lock Your Doors. GUPD recommends all students lock their doors every time they leave their room or home. Laboratory and office spaces should also be secured if they can be.
Lock Your Laptops. Never leave laptops unattended. Contact GUPD for laptop registration, lock and theft prevention information.
Lock Your Bikes. To mitigate thefts, all bicyclists are encouraged to use U-locks, which are more secure and more difficult to cut than cable locks. Discounted U-locks can be purchased from GUPD, located in Village C West, or at the university bookstore. GUPD also offers free bicycle registration, which can help facilitate your bike’s return if stolen, allow GUPD to assist if your key is lost, or contact you if your bike appears abandoned.
Share a Complaint, Compliment or Concern with GUPD. GUPD investigates all complaints regarding conduct by the department. If you believe you have been subjected to, or witnessed, police misconduct of any type by GUPD, please report the incident, anonymously if preferred, via the Complaints, Compliments and Feedback form.
Thank you for your attention to these matters, and we hope you have a great semester.