<p>Having been one of the more vocal posters regarding safety at USC, I have to give credit where credit is due. This is definitely a significant measure in making the area around campus safer. Bravo.</p>
<p>From an email received today:</p>
<p>Dear USC community,</p>
<p>As you know, USC has introduced a number of additional enhancements to campus safety, with specific initiatives that have improved security staffing and safety technology. Today, we implement the latest component of our safety program: the Trojan Mobile Safety App. This new technology is free to download, and provides a number of simple capabilities:</p>
<p>With the push of a button, you can instantly contact the Department of Public Safety (DPS) or 911 in an emergency, and receive an immediate response. When you send an emergency message, or call the emergency number, your location will automatically pop up on a map in the DPS Communications Center (if your settings allow).
You can report tips about potential crimes or unsafe situations to DPS. Your message will be location-tagged, and you can attach pictures, audio, or video. You may submit your report anonymously.
The “Safewalk” function will allow you to alert your friends that you are on the way to a destination, so they can monitor your progress and help keep you safe.</p>
<p>The app offers additional features, such as convenient ways to access Campus Cruiser escorts and to call taxis. Over time, the app will become a central portal for all university safety programs. </p>
<p>I would like to emphasize that safety is a shared responsibility, and we must look out for ourselves—and each other. I urge you to join me in downloading this new app. For more information, including links to both the Apple iTunes Store and the Google Play Store, please visit usc.edu/mobilesafety. </p>
<p>Sincerely,
University of Southern California
C. L. Max Nikias
President</p>