Free Safety App Available for SLU Community

04/20/2018

Saint Louis University students, faculty and staff can now download a free safety app called Rave Guardian to travel more safely on and off campus. Rave Guardian leverages mobile technology to turn smart phones into personal safety devices.

“Rave Guardian is another tool the university can use to enhance campus safety,” James Moran, assistant vice president for the Department of Public Safety (DPS), said. “It is a great addition to the current emergency notification system used for campus emergencies.”

Rave is also the system the University has been using for text messages, phone, emails, digital signage, Twitter and Facebook alerts, according to Moran.

According to Rave Mobile Safety, its products and technologies are used at over 1,200 colleges and universities across the U.S. The app enhances safety in several ways. In addition to an alert inbox and a 911 call button that shares the user’s GPS location, the app includes a safety timer. If a safety timer expires, the user’s guardians will be notified. Guardians can be added as contacts, and the app allows group messaging and photo sharing.

The app also promotes communication between DPS and users through anonymous tip texting. The app allows users to anonymously text suspicious activity to the department of public safety, including photos.

Rave Guardian Features

• Call 911 with one touch right from the app.
• Call DPS directly from the app. When a student sets up a profile in advance, DPS will see the details they’ve provided if they are unable to speak to the dispatcher when the student calls.
• Create a safety network with friends and family who can serve as “guardians,” with whom they can communicate directly or via group messaging.
• Activate a Safety Timer when heading out; estimating the time it will take to get to a destination. If the timer runs out before they arrive, a chosen guardian is notified so they can call to check on the student.
• Easily submit crime tips or report suspicious activity — anonymously if they prefer — to DPS via text message. Their tips can include photo attachments.

The Rave Guardian App can be downloaded in the Apple or Google Play stores by searching for “Rave Guardian.” Users can also learn more here.

To get started, users will need to enter their slu.edu email and their phone number. Students will also have to create a PIN, which is used to activate safety timers.