[219] Free MTSU Guardian app turns cell phone into virtual escort

MTSU students, faculty and staff can download a free app that turns their cell phone into a virtual security guard while they’re on campus.

The MTSU Rave Guardian is a free mobile app available on iTunes and Google Play that students, faculty and staff can sign up for using their MTSU email addresses.

The app transforms a mobile phone into a personal safety device by setting up a virtual safety network of friends, family and campus police. Features include:

• A panic button — direct immediate connection to campus police with GPS location and personal profile information in case of emergency.
• Personal guardians — Users can identify friends, roommates and family as ‘guardians’ along with campus police. Users also can set timers. During a timer session, their guardians and campus police can check their status. If the timer is not deactivated before it expires, University Police is automatically provided with the user’s profile to proactively identify and check-in on the individual.
• Sending tips — Users can also send tips, including photos, to campus police if they see something suspicious on campus.

Whenever students, faculty or staff connect with University Police from their mobile phone, the app automatically delivers a complete caller profile — including current location, medical conditions, course schedule, addresses, campus ID photo and other critical data.

While the MTSU campus remains a very safe environment, University Police Chief Buddy Peaster encourages the campus community to take advantage of the app as an added layer of protection and safety.

“The MTSU Rave Guardian puts important information and campus police assistance at your fingertips,” Peaster said. “Staying safe on campus means partnering with MTSU to make technology and police services work for you. MTSU Rave Guardian does just that.”

To get the app, for iPhones go to iTunes or to Google Play for Androids.

For more information about MTSU Rave Guardian, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions, go to http://police.mtsu.edu/guardian.php.

The MTSU Rave Guardian app is separate from the MTSU Alert4U emergency notification system, which sends text, email, and/or voice alerts regarding campus emergencies to those in the system.

All staff, faculty and students at MTSU are entered into the MTSU Alert4U emergency notification system. They are automatically signed up for this service with their university email address.

For more information about the emergency notification system, go to http://www.mtsu.edu/alert4u/