New ‘SafeZone’ app enhances student safety

A new on-campus safety app, which can connect students and staff directly to the Community Safety Team, has been launched to boost safety at the University.

The SafeZone app, which has already been rolled out at other universities across the country, including the University of Manchester and UCL, intends to make students and staff feel safe, informed, and supported on campus.   

The safety app was launched at Warwick during the summer, in time for the new academic year.  

The app will connect staff and students to campus safety and support teams, which previously was only possible by calling the Community Safety Team, using an emergency button on campus, or visiting the Community Safety Hub.  

[SafeZone will] provide faster, more responsive support across campus

University statement

Users of the app will be able to notify the Community Safety team if they feel unsafe or require assistance.

The University said: “Whether you’re working late, walking alone, or need urgent assistance, SafeZone connects you directly to campus safety and support teams in real time.”  

Features on the app include an emergency help button, a first aid request, a check-in feature, and safety alerts. Each feature is intended to assist users in different situations and for differing levels of assistance.  

The Community Safety Team on campus will continue to provide its usual support to staff and students

The ‘emergency help’ button, for example, allows a user to immediately alert Community Safety if they are in danger or require urgent help. SafeZone will also alert users of emergencies and incidents that may occur on campus by providing safety alerts.  

Speaking on the launch of the app, the University said that SafeZone will “provide faster, more responsive support across campus – during emergencies and day-to-day”, adding: “It’s all part of creating a safer environment for everyone.” 

The Community Safety Team on campus will continue to provide its usual support to staff and students in addition to the app. The app will simply provide users with a more discreet option to report something that doesn’t feel right and to prevent suspicious activity from escalating.  

The SafeZone app can be downloaded via the Apple App Store or Google Play.