When traveling about the East Baltimore campus, Johns Hopkins employees can take advantage of a new mobile app to connect with tools and resources that will strengthen their security and well-being.

As part of its ongoing efforts to make safety for students, staff and faculty on the urban campus a priority, the Department of Corporate Security rolled out a mobile app that Johns Hopkins employees can download at no cost on Google Play and the Apple App Store. The app, powered by LiveSafe, can provide real-time, two-way communication 24/7 between corporate security and members of the Johns Hopkins community when they are on the East Baltimore campus. A similar version is available to staff, students and faculty when they are on the Homewood campus.

Since the app was announced last month, more than 1,600 users have downloaded it. Dineashea Jackson, the Live Safe system administrator for Corporate Security, says that so far, people are using the app to report harassment, disturbances and other offenses. Many are also testing out the SafeWalk feature, Jackson says, which uses GPS for a virtual buddy system to make sure friends and colleagues safely reach a destination.

With this app, you can also:

• connect with Corporate Security communications officers by phone call or text to report a safety concern or suspicious activity, or to request assistance. The officers will monitor the calls and text messages, and can conduct a two-way chat. You can share your concerns by uploading an image, video or audio file. (Corporate Security can determine an app user’s location only if she or he reaches out for help.)
• access resources, such as a security walking escort, campus maps and Corporate Security’s emergency phone numbers and procedures.
• receive text alerts and notifications from Corporate Security.

“The app is just another tool that we are offering to keep our students, staff and trainees safe,” says George Economas, senior director of corporate security, parking and transportation. “It’s important to remember that if there is an emergency, you should immediately dial 911.” He looks for more people, especially students, to have security at their fingertips.

After downloading the app, just register, complete your profile and select your organization and campus. Visit hopkinsmedicine.org/security_parking_transportation/security/ for more information on our security initiatives and to download a flyer.