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Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety at the University of Cincinnati is committed to providing a safe campus environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year working together with our community to prevent crime and provide vital safety services and resources. Ensuring a safe environment on and around campus is our highest priority, but our campus is not immune to criminal activity that may occur in the larger Cincinnati community. As a family member, encourage your student to use common sense, walk with a group at night, and report any suspicious behavior to Public Safety. 

Contacting Public Safety

Public Safety can be reached at 513-556-1111. In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1. In an emergency, campus phones connect to the UC Police Department Dispatch. Cell phones connect to Cincinnati Police or Hamilton County Dispatch where callers can indicate they need help at UC in order to be connected to UC Police Department Dispatch. Blue help phones (blue boxes on black poles) are located around campus and provide a direct line to Public Safety dispatch.

Theft Prevention

Theft is the most common crime on and near campus, which tends to increase at the beginning of the school year when students return to campus. Public Safety works hard to protect students, however, your Bearcat can take simple steps to reduce their risk. Unattended belongings are an easy target for a thief. Remind your student of the importance of always locking rooms and cars and securing other belongings (such as laptops). Mark textbooks and other property with your student's name. Don't leave valuables in plain sight inside your vehicle or home. Remove cellphones, laptops, loose change, and other valuables when leaving your vehicle.

Bearcat Guardian App

The Bearcat Guardian app is a state-of-the-art safety app that allows students to turn their cellphone into a safety device. The app allows users to send anonymous tips to UC Police, receive emergency notifications, make emergency calls, create a safety profile, find university phone numbers, and set-up a Safety Timer with a location and expected arrival time. The user can then choose anyone with a cellphone in their contact list as their "Guardian," who will be sent a link via text message asking them to keep an eye on you while you walk. They will be notified if the student does not turn off their safety timer. The Bearcat Guardian app can be downloaded for free on the App Store or Google Play. Search for "Rave Guardian." After installing, users must ensure the location and notification service has been enabled and register with their cell phone number and university email address.

UC Alert

UC Alert provides important information regarding the status of each UC campus. In the event of an emergency or inclement weather, information will be shared on the UC Alert webpage. The university also utilizes other channels, such as a voice notification system, text messages, emails, electronic signage boards, social media, and the Rave Alert system, to communicate in the event of an emergency. All members of the UC community, including parents and family members, can sign-up to receive campus safety alerts via the Rave Alert system. 

Conversations with Your Student

• How will you secure your belongings when unattended or over extended breaks?
• Have you downloaded the Bearcat Guardian mobile app?
• Have you programmed the NightRide phone number (513-556-RIDE) in your cellphone?
• Have you registered your bike? Bike registration helps Public Safety to identify your student as the correct owner of the bike in the event of theft.

Orientation Questions?? Comment on this post or email families@uc.edu for more information!