{"543801":{"#nid":"543801","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Practicing Safety at Tech","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ERobert Connolly\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EChief, Georgia Tech Police Department\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EProviding a safe and secure environment, while sustaining and nurturing an open campus, is Georgia Tech\u2019s top priority. The Georgia Tech Police Department (\u201cGTPD\u201d) is a fully operational, nationally accredited state agency, devoted to the protection of the campus and its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. All 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.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EMore than 82 sworn police officers patrol the campus 24-hours a day, on foot, motorcycle, bicycle, car, ATV, and Segway (sometimes with a K-9 companion) \u2013 but it is important to remember we are located in a large, urban environment. As your student begins college at Tech, they should understand and embrace the following tips to reduce the chance of being a victim of crime.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EPersonal Safety\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.livesafe.gatech.edu\/\u0022\u003ELiveSafe\u003C\/a\u003E, a powerful safety app, was selected by Georgia Tech students and is a free download for mobile phones. Features include \u201cGoSafe,\u201d 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).\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIn 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.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EGTPD provides free training and safety classes in self-defense, alcohol safety, and emergency preparedness.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIf 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 \u201cblue\u201d phones located inside and outside buildings throughout the campus.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003ECrime Prevention Tips\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe most common crimes on campus are thefts of opportunity. Students should never walk away from their belongings or leave them unsecured.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EStudents who have vehicles on campus should remove or hide all valuables to help prevent break-ins. Leaving any items in plain view \u2014 GPS devices, laptops, purses, spare change, books, and gym bags \u2014increases the risk for a vehicle break-in.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EAll residence halls have key or secure-card entry. Students should be wary of anyone who attempts entry without a key.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EWhen not in their room, or when asleep, students should keep all doors and windows locked.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EIf students see anything suspicious, they should contact the GTPD immediately. We\u2019re happy to investigate any cause for concern.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOther Safety Measures\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli\u003EStudents are required to enter emergency contact information on Buzzport. Click on the red phone icon after logging in at buzzport.gatech.edu.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EGT Parking \u0026amp; 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.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EGTPD provides after-hours escorts for students who feel unsafe.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EThe Georgia Tech Counseling Center offers stress management and wellness workshops, as well as free counseling and emergency services for students.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EHousing staff are on duty 24-hours a day if students lose their keys.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EGTPD offers many free services including laptop engraving and bicycle registration to help the recovery process in the event of theft.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003ECampus-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.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli\u003EGTPD collaborates with the Atlanta Police Department to increase public safety around the perimeter of the campus.\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E\u003Cp\u003EYou can learn earn much more about safety on campus by talking with an officer, exploring our website, \u003Ca href=\u0022\/\/\/\\\\vpsa.nas.gatech.edu\\parents\\Parents%20Program%20Files\\Communication\\ParentNews\\2016-2017\\www.police.gatech.edu\u0022\u003Ewww.police.gatech.edu\u003C\/a\u003E, and following GTPD on Facebook \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/GaTechPD\u0022\u003Ewww.facebook.com\/GaTechPD\u003C\/a\u003E, Instagram @GaTechPD, and Twitter @GaTechPD. The Office of Emergency Preparedness (a Division of GTPD) also provides emergency information and updates through Facebook \u003Ca href=\u0022http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/GTEmergency\u0022\u003Ewww.facebook.com\/GTEmergency\u003C\/a\u003E and Twitter @GTPDalerts.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWe look forward to a safe and productive year!\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":null,"format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":"","field_summary":"","field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Providing a safe and secure environment, while sustaining and nurturing an open campus, is Georgia Tech\u2019s top priority."}],"uid":"27244","created_gmt":"2016-06-10 09:19:15","changed_gmt":"2016-10-08 03:21:53","author":"Sara Warner","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","dateline":{"date":"2016-06-10T00:00:00-04:00","iso_date":"2016-06-10T00:00:00-04:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"groups":[{"id":"1298","name":"Parent and Family Programs"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}