Boise State campus police talk safety and 'Rave Guardian' app

July 2024 · 2 minute read

If a student ever feels unsafe walking campus or sees something suspicious going on. They could have campus police and security at the palms of their hands with the universities Rave Guardian app.

Boise State released the rave guardian app back in 2015 to enhance a virtual safety network 24/7. Using a current BSU email, students and faculty can download the app and designate either campus security or their friends as guardians.

“What we prefer is, you send it to us and our public safety communications center which is open 24/7 and we are able to send an officer to check on you if you need it,” said Rob Littrell, Emergency Management Planner/Analyst.

With the app you can set a safety timer, call public safety or text a tip on suspicious activity. By simply tapping a button, you can send alerts to campus police within seconds.

Here’s how its done:

If you're traveling to your car or across campus you can set a timer that alerts your guardians to check on your location if you dont make it to your destination. If the timer is not deactivated when you arrive, the alert goes directly to public safety and an officer will be dispatched to you.

Or, say you see suspcious activity and don’t want to reveal your identityyou can text a tip. The app enables a two-way, crime tip reporting button through text and images.

The app allows you to set a profile with your personal information and location so that the communications center can reach you quickly.

Essentially, the app is another safety tool that turns smart phones into one of the 76 moblie blue light emergency phones around campus.

“You know if you don’t have the rave guardian on your phone you can do that from many of our blue light phones. It’s like having a blue light emergency phone in your pocket,” said Littrell.

So far, over 650 people are using the app. It’s free and simply another tool to make students, faculty and parents feel connected and safe. If there is ever a real threat to life or property, the university still urges students to contact sheriff dispatch.

When it comes to student orientations, Boise State says the app is a big hit with parents. Whether you live on campus or not, the app can keep you connected to security at all times.

The Boise State University version of the app is available for both iOS and Android devices.

ncG1vNJzZmihlJa1sLrEsKpnm5%2BifK%2Bx1qxmpaeTlrlwrtKuZKGhl525qrPHrapmq5GbsrXFjJqnqWWilsOmecaumKucmZa7brLOq2ScmZ2lwrR50p6arqqZqcY%3D