All members of the Case Western Reserve community are reminded to download Spartan Safe from the iPhone App Store or Google Play. Or, if you’ve already downloaded the app, open it today—and regularly—to ensure it is still active and connected; both Android and Apple devices go into hibernation/offloading mode if apps aren’t used regularly, so you could miss out on critical information if you don’t take proper steps to check.
What is Spartan Safe?
Spartan Safe is a safety app specifically for the Case Western Reserve University community that offers easy access to critical resources that you need the most. The free app—created by Rave Mobile Safety, which the university uses to send emergency alerts via platforms such as email and text—provides a number of tools designed to keep you safe.
For example:
- Push notifications: Spartan 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. Spartan Safe's push notifications allow users to get the message instantaneously via WiFi, even if they don’t have cellular service, such as in the basement of a building.
- Quick access to critical information: Gain quick access to critical phone numbers such as campus police and counseling services. Users also can access other important numbers—on and off campus—for safety, mental health, wellness resources and more. Plus, you have direct access to view campus emergency plans for all types of scenarios so you know what to do in an emergency.
- Tip reporting and real-time chat: Submit an in-app tip report either by phone call or an anonymous form. Tips can then be routed to appropriate departments to make sure the issue gets the attention it needs. Users can also use the safety toolbox to chat with campus security, share your location and more.
- Easy emergency communication: Spartan Safe offers a range of features that help you communicate quickly and easily with police or personal contacts when they may need help. For example:
- Spartan Safe offers an “I’m OK” button to quickly alert pre-programmed contacts of your location and safety in a critical situation. Simply program in key contacts today. Then, if an emergency situation occurs, you can open the app, click “I’m OK” and send your pre-programmed contacts a pre-written text that tells them you’re in an emergency but are OK and includes your location.
- Spartan Safe provides a Mobile BlueLight feature, which allows users to relay their position in real time to a dispatcher and initiate an emergency call to public safety.
- Additionally, the Friend Walk feature lets users send their position to a friend via SMS or email—the user can set their destination and the friend can watch as the user walks to their destination. Both the user and friend can hit the emergency button if anything happens during the walk and get directly connected to campus police.
What information do I need to provide to Spartan Safe?
By downloading Spartan Safe and registering your CWRU email address, CWRU Police will only ever be a few taps away. The app invites users to create profiles with as much personal information as desired—contact information, medical conditions, emergency contacts and more—allowing officers to respond quickly and precisely to those in need.
Personal information is stored on a secure server and remains confidential unless you request assistance from campus police. A more detailed profile will help safety responders when providing service, but is not required.
How do I get the Spartan Safe app?
Gaining access to the Spartan Safe app is easy for members of the Case Western Reserve University community:
- Download "CWRU Spartan Safe" from the iPhone App Store or Google Play.
- Log in with your CWRU credentials.
- Explore the app!
Is Spartan Safe the best way to report emergencies to Case Western Reserve University police?
Spartan Safe is a great option for personal situations and to report non-emergency concerns to CWRU’s Division of Public Safety. In addition, if there is an emergency situation occurring on campus, Spartan Safe might be your best option—for example, if there is an active aggressor and you need to stay quiet, or if you’re in an unsafe situation where you cannot talk.
However, when possible in an emergency, it’s easiest to contact CWRU Police at 216.368.3333 and talk with a dispatcher. Please store this number in your mobile phone and, ideally, memorize it; calling 216.368.3333 is the fastest way to get support from our trained police officers.
For non-emergency situations, use the Spartan Safe app or call 216.368.3300.
