Alex Mosher
Staff Writer
In 2017, Idaho State University had eight reported cases of “unsafe” offenses that occurred on campus, according to the Campus Safety and Security of the U.S Department of Education website. These incidents included one count of rape, two counts of aggravated assault, four counts of burglary and one count of arson.
Even though these numbers have decreased from the years prior, ISU’s Department of Public Safety still strives to provide a safe, healthy and secure campus community for students, faculty, staff, community partners and visitors.
This means that the Public Safety team wants students, staff and faculty to be prepared for what to do in the event of an emergency and be proactive and have the right tools to respond.
One of the ways Public Safety implements its mission is with the help of the mobile app RAVE Guardian. RAVE Guardian is a free and optional personal safety app available to ISU students, faculty and staff who have an isu.edu login.
The app allows users to set a safety timer to notify designated guardians if they are alone or in an unfamiliar location. The emergency call button will notify Public Safety with just one click, providing them with the user’s personal information and GPS location. The app also allows its users to send direct messages to university officials if they witness something suspicious on campus.
Since the user’s privacy is the number one importance, RAVE Guardian or Public Safety does not track you if you are not using the app. You can only be located if you have asked for help.
RAVE Guardian users choose a deactivation code for use within the app. If you are ever in a scenario where you are forced to turn off your code, RAVE Guardian also includes a false deactivation code that alerts Public Safety when entered.
For example, if your PIN is 1234, you can type in 1235, and the app will appear to turn off normally, but ISU Public Safety will still be alerted.
Public Safety also offers services such as safety escorts across campus and vehicle unlocks and jumpstarts. You can contact Public Safety at (208) 282-2515 or visit its website at www.isu.edu/publicsafety.
Other ways to stay safe on campus are:
•Familiarize yourself with the campus layout. Know where the Public Safety office is located.
•Always lock up. This means your car, your room, house, etc.
•Don’t leave valuables in plain sight.
•Know who is at your door before answering it.
•Check your surroundings before getting into your car.
•Check in often with family and friends, especially if you are with someone new or going to an unfamiliar place.
•Carry a whistle, alarm or pepper spray.
•Set your social media settings to private.
