New app utilized by ISU promotes safer campuses

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) – A piece of technology that many Indiana State University students already have can now be used in a way to help keep them safe.

The “Rave Guardian” personal safety app is now available for use. A tool Assistant Chief Michele Barrett with the ISU Police Department is excited about.

“It gives them a piece of mind so maybe their roommates know where they are, their friends, if they’re supposed to be there a certain time,” Barrett said. “And to help us with any crimes that may be occurring on campus that we’re not aware of.”

One of the features on this app is a safety timer. It allows you to set the time it takes for you to get from one place to your destination and if you don’t make it in that time it alerts your friends so that they’ll check on you to make sure you’re safe.

“One of the other institutions mentioned the timer, and I think they had lost a student that was actually abducted and killed, and they were wishing they would have had that app at that time,” Barrett said. “But he said you know, if it could save one life then it’s worth all the money we’ve invested in it.”

The app also allows you to submit anonymous tips to police and as ISU is making lists for top safe campuses, Barrett hopes students take advantage of this new tool.

“I’ve talked to some other departments who have this rave guardian app, and they seem to receive quite a few tips through that,” Barrett said. “That way the students don’t have to take time out of their schedule to come in and talk to police.”

The app is available to download from the Apple App Store or for Android on Google Play. In order for the app to work, you have to have an ISU email address.

ISU is the first university in the state of Indiana to use this product.

The university continues to improve safety as all university officers now wear body cameras when they’re on the job.