Department of Public Safety Launches Orange Safe: New Mobile Safety App

As part of its continuing commitment to campus safety, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is excited to announce the launch of Orange Safe, a free mobile app that turns any smartphone into a personal safety device. Orange Safe will replace the Rave Guardian app, which will no longer be available to Syracuse University users beginning Friday, Sept. 23.

Orange Safe offers the same features that users have grown accustomed to, including reporting tips, having a friend or family member watch them safely walk across campus, quickly connecting with DPS or 9-1-1 and important campus links and phone numbers, plus so much more!

 Why Orange Safe?

Rave Mobile Safety, the department’s vendor for critical communications, including Orange Alerts and Public Safety Notices, purchased AppArmor, the developer who assisted DPS in creating the Orange Safe app. “We wanted to get in on the ground floor of this merger,” says William Karnadi, director of emergency management and business continuity. Karnadi, who has experience working with AppArmor from his time at NYU says, “Partnering with AppAmor at Syracuse allows us to provide customized safety resources and enhance our service delivery using the latest available technology for our campus community.”

Orange Safe does not require the user to create an account. To register, users will only need to login with their NetID and password.

What are the features available in the Orange Safe app?

• Easy Emergency Communications: With a push of a button, you can directly connect to 9-1-1 for off-campus emergencies or DPS in an on-campus emergency.
• On Campus BlueLight: While you are on campus, tap the button to simultaneously send your location to and call the DPS Emergency Communications Center (ECC). The DPS ECC will receiving your location in real-time and talk to you on the phone.
• Safe Walk: Send your location in real-time to a friend so they can watch you as you walk to your destination. They’ll watch you and can trigger a call to emergency services if necessary. It is as simple as sending a text message to a family or friend and they will be sent a link used to follow you. Once you reach your destination, you can simply disconnect.
• Tip Reporting: Prevent dangerous situations by submitting a tip—anonymously or associated with your profile—and have real-time chat interactions with a member of the DPS dispatch team. This way, dispatchers and police can get the information they need about suspicious behavior, unsafe situations, or crimes and you can be sure the issue is being reported without drawing attention from those around you. The app allows you to text suspicious activity to DPS, using photos or video.
• Social Escape: Get out of a tough social situation by receiving a call and giving you an excuse to leave. It is as simple as entering your phone number in the app and setting how quickly you want to receive the phone call.
• Be Prepared with Emergency Plans: Do you know what to do in the event of an emergency on campus? Be prepared by reviewing our emergency plans!
• Safety Toolbox: This section includes links to important safety related resources as well as the “I’m OK!” feature which will send your location and a message indicating that you are okay to a recipient of your choosing.
• Push Notifications: Orange Safe offers a seamless notification process in the event of an emergency. In extreme circumstances, phone lines may prevent some messages from going through quickly; Orange Safe’s push notifications allow you to get the message almost instantaneously, even if you don’t have cellular service, such as in the basement of a building. (Wi-Fi access would be necessary.)
• Quick Access to Support Resources: Beyond being able to contact DPS or 911 with the touch of a button, you can also access important phone numbers and websites for safety and wellness resources—on campus and beyond.

 Will DPS be able to track users?

No. DPS does not have the ability to track or monitor the location of the app users. Any voluntary location-sharing can only be triggered by the user. In addition, it will only be available during that specific call or chat session and users will be made aware of this prior to joining the session.

“The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority at Syracuse University,” says DPS Chief Craig Stone. “The Orange Safe app allows each one of our campus members to be proactive about their safety and help keep themselves, as well as their friends and colleagues, safer. We encourage everyone to download and register with the Orange Safe app; it’s free and easy to use!”

Does the app work off-campus?

All incoming requests through the app will be addressed and triaged by the ECC regardless of location. If the request is within our jurisdiction, DPS will respond to it. If it is outside our jurisdiction, the dispatcher will connect them with the appropriate authority.

The Orange Safe app can be downloaded in the Apple or Google Play stores by searching for “Orange Safe.” You can also learn more at ravemobilesafety.com or on the DPS website at dps.syr.edu.

AppArmor is a product of Rave Mobile Safety, the most trusted safety software partner, connecting millions to those they trust to protect them, by providing safety officials with innovative tools to prepare better, respond faster, and communicate more effectively during emergencies. Rave protects more than 1,200 colleges and universities across the U.S.