Do your part to stay JagSafe in and around campus

While each semester brings new faces to Augusta University, one thing remains the same — the safety of the Jaguar Nation is always top of mind.

Here is sage advice from the experts at the Augusta University Police Department to help you stay JagSafe in and around our many campuses:

• Always be aware of your surroundings. Keep your head up and phones down to stay alert.
• Keep valuables out of sight (in the office and your vehicle). Don’t leave them unattended.
• Lock your doors to help prevent vehicle break-ins and protect your valuables.
• While walking after hours, use the “buddy system” if at all possible.
• AUPD provides safety escorts for those who are concerned about walking alone after hours.
• If you see something, say something, because safety is everyone’s responsibility.

“We truly believe that the police and the community must work together as partners to solve the current and changing issues,” said Captain Sam Sherrill, with AUPD. “Community policing is not simply a response after a crime, but also working to prevent crime and solving community problems, while building trust through community engagement.”

You can engage with AUPD by downloading RAVE Guardian from the Google Play or Apple app stores. (Use your augusta.edu account information to sign in after downloading.) The RAVE Guardian app provides instant contact with AUPD through emergency calls, text communications, photos, video and other features.

For instance, RAVE Guardian also allows you to set walk timer. The timer will sound an alarm if you do not deactivate it in a reasonable amount of time. You can also set it to send a notification to the police department or someone designated from your contact list if you don’t reach your destination.

Plus, RAVE Guardian is fully integrated with the university’s Jag Alert system and allows users to receive push notifications in the event of a large-scale emergency.

AUPD also offers R.A.D. classes (Rape Aggression Defense) to teach women realistic self-defense tactics and techniques to help defend against various types of assault.

Learn more about these and other safety tips through the Augusta University Police Department by visiting the AUPD website. You may also call our the department at 706-721-2911 for help, an escort or assistance.