The Oklahoma City University Campus Police Department is striving to advance its campus safety measures with modern technology. During the early fall semester, the department partnered with Rave Guardian, a Motorola Solutions Company, to provide specialized services to the campus community.
The Rave Guardian app is configured with features easily customized by partnered organizations. Its principal purpose is to advance communication practices with university officials as needed.
Through the app, students have access to a variety of safety features. Students can easily and inconspicuously text with law enforcement through the app submitting both tips and photos of situations as they experience them. To send a message, the user will select a category that best describes their situation. Categories include theft, suspicious activity, mental health, repair needed and more. The app also allows students to share their location in times of need and call law enforcement from anywhere in the country.
Another feature is a timer designed to keep students safe walking alone at night. Students can set a timer for how long they estimate it will take to reach their destination. If the app does not detect that you have reached your intended destination once the timer has ended, the app will send a message to those listed as emergency contacts.
In recent years, several higher education institutions, such as Princeton University, have implemented the software on their campuses, supporting public safety measures.
OCU PD’s Major Mark LaHue shares excitement that the app is now available on campus, praising Patrick Harrell, University Risk Manager for its implementation.
“Patrick Harrell is the emergency management and risk manager. He’s a major proponent for this app,” said LaHue.
Student Publications reached out to the University Risk Manager, Patrick Harrell, for further comment but couldn’t receive a response at this time.
The Rave Guardian app is free of charge on all mobile devices and is available in the Apple and Google app stores.
Mark Lahue is a tyrant piece of shit