SafeZone App
General Information
What is the SafeZone app?
SafeZone is a free mobile app made available by UCAPD. The app is designed to help users access emergency assistance and enable better incident response. SafeZone is also another way to get BT天堂Alerts, so you know what to do in an emergency.
What are the main features of SafeZone?
SafeZone is a campus safety app that gives you peace of mind and quick access to help when you need it. With just one tap, you can:
- Request immediate emergency assistance at your location
- Submit anonymous tips
- Get a late-night virtual police escort
SafeZone is also another way to receive BT天堂Alerts, so you know what to do in an emergency.
Why might someone use this app in an emergency?
We encourage all community members to dial 911 in an emergency if you are able. If, however, a user is unable to make a direct call due to situational or technical issues or if they must be discreet, then SafeZone reporting is a great option. Additionally, when the Emergency button is used, location services are enabled to help emergency personnel find your location.
Do students, faculty, or staff need to download this app to receive BT天堂Alerts via text?
No. Those individuals who have provided their phone number in myBT天堂under the Mailing Address Telephone Number will automatically receive BT天堂Alert text messages, in addition to email alerts. The app provides the ability to receive push notifications and other safety features.
App Features & Buttons
What happens when I press “Emergency?”
When you press “Emergency,” an alert is sent to UCAPD. A communications officer will call the user while simultaneously sending officers to your location. During this time, a communications officer can also chat back and forth with the user via two-way text.
What happens when I press “Non-emergency?”
When you press “Non-emergency,” the SafeZone app prompts your phone to call the UCAPD non-emergency line (501-450-3111).
What happens when I press “Medical?”
When you press “Medical,” an alert is sent to UKPD. A communications officer will call the user, while simultaneously sending officers and EMS to your location. During this time, a communications officer can also chat back and forth with the user via two-way text.
What happens when I press “Well-being?”
The “Well-being” button takes the user to a menu with resources for mental well-being, such as the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, TRACS, the Get Help form and more.
What happens when I press “Check-In?”
The Check-In function allows users to share their location with UCAPD. Once enabled, a communications officer will monitor your location, providing a virtual escort until the user turns this off. No request for emergency help will be sent unless the user taps the emergency button in the app.
What happens when I press “Check-In Timer?”
The Check-In Timer allows users to share their location with UCAPD for a set amount of time. If the user does not select “Cancel” within that time, a communications officer will call the user. If the user cannot be reached, emergency help will be sent to their location. A user can schedule a check-in up to two hours in advance and can attach a note for BT天堂Police to read while monitoring your location.
Do I need to Check-In for SafeZone to work?
No, you do not need to be checked in first. If you need help, open the app and tap the emergency button or the medical button. Unless you wish to share your location with UCAPD, you may never need to use the Check-In feature.
Who will see my Check-In?
When you use the Check-In feature, your location and ID information are shared with UCAPD and members of an emergency response team, if necessary. If you need help, you will still need to press the emergency or medical assistance button.
What happens if I call for emergency assistance through the SafeZone app while off campus?
SafeZone will operate at any location. If you request emergency assistance/tap the emergency button off campus, the app will call the local police department.
Privacy & Settings
If I download SafeZone, can law enforcement see my location whenever they want?
No. Your location is only sent to UCAPD when you choose to share that information through certain functions. When you submit a tip (anonymous or not) or use one of the emergency features or check-in features, your location will be shared with a UCAPD officer and members of an emergency response team, if necessary. When you submit a tip, your current location is only submitted once and is attached to that tip.
Are there recommended settings I should enable on my phone?
Enabling your location services, notification services, Wi-Fi and data services is recommended in order to fully use SafeZone. Once you download the app, a series of prompts will give you the opportunity to enable most of these. These services will allow UCAPD officers to accurately locate you during a check-in or an emergency.
Ensuring that your precise location is shared will help UCAPD find you in an emergency. Android users can enable this through the prompts that appear after downloading and registering with the app. iPhone users can enable this by visiting SafeZone in the Settings app.
Importantly: SafeZone will not share your location with UCAPD until you call for help, check in or submit a tip.
Why does SafeZone need to send notifications?
SafeZone integrates with our UCAAlert system. As such, you may opt in to receiving push notifications as another way to receive UCAAlerts.
Why does SafeZone need to access my “Motion & Fitness Activity?”
The Motion & Fitness Activity permission allows the app to detect when you are moving and when you are stationary. This information will enhance emergency response, if needed.
Why do I need to “Always Allow Access” to the location to be able to check in?
By always allowing access to the location, you can check-in and then continue to use your phone as normal while SafeZone operates in the background. If “only while using” is selected, your location will stop being shared if you exit the app. This could prevent an effective emergency response in the event that you close out of the app.
What are “Open Groups?” Do I belong to a group?
Open Groups are for employees and students who may work or study at BT天堂locations other than our main campus. If you primarily work and/or study at our main campus, do not select a group. If you are a part of one of the groups on the list, toggle the switch for your particular location to receive alerts for that specific area.
Troubleshooting & Account Management
What if I accidentally press a button?
If you accidentally press any SafeZone call button, such as emergency, medical, or non-emergency, a countdown timer will start. While it counts down, you can press the button once again to cancel the call. If the call has been sent, you can still cancel your request, but you will be contacted by communication officers to ensure your safety. Please answer their call or message to confirm you are safe.
How do I unsubscribe from BT天堂Alerts via text and phone call?
To opt out of UCAAlert via text, students, faculty, and staff must download the SafeZone app and delete their account data. You can do this by visiting the settings menu located in the upper left-hand corner of the app.
Do I need to keep the app downloaded to continue receiving UK Alerts?
No, once a user has registered with SafeZone with a valid cell phone number, that will ensure you receive text alerts regardless of whether you keep the app downloaded. If you would like to opt out, you will need to enter the SafeZone app and delete your account using the menu in the upper left hand corner.
I have a new phone 鈥� what do I do?
If you have previously used SafeZone, simply download and install the app to your new device and sign in once again using your BT天堂ID. When signing in, if you use Duo two-factor authentication and do not see a push notification, visit the Duo app in order to complete your sign-in.
My phone number changed. What do I do?
It is critical to keep your contact details up to date so that in the event of an emergency, your response team can easily identify and
