IU recently implemented a new safety app called “Rave Guardian,” and public safety officials are urging the university community to download it.
“This is something that we’re really pushing this year,” IU Police Department Capt. Craig Munroe said. “We want everybody to have it.”
The free app compiles a number of safety resources for students all accessible through their phone.
The app features IU-Notify alerts, important emergency phone numbers, the ability to send crime tips and even a safe walk timer that notifies friends and family if the user has not reached his or her destination when expected.
“It’s a great addition to a lot of different things we’re doing here at IU,” Munroe said. “We really hope everybody starts to use this.”
Kylie Lewis, an IU sophomore and resident assistant, said the app is great because everything is in one place and it eliminates the need to search for phone numbers online.
Lewis also said the app will be useful for freshmen because they are still getting accustomed to campus and college.
“Your first thought isn’t really toward your safety,” Lewis said. “It’s toward making the most of your college experience.”
While the app has many benefits for freshmen, Munroe said it’s a great resource for everyone.
“Not only freshmen, this is something everybody needs,” Munroe said. “It’s a great tool.”
Munroe said they had been looking into implementing a safety resource and that Rave Guardian was more functional than some of the other vendors they had seen over the years. He said this is the right time to roll out this app.
“We’re always updating our safety and security,” Munroe said. “This is just another tool in the box that’s come along.”
