Florida A&M’s chief of police is urging students to download a new mobile phone app that will aid in campus crime prevention.
Thumb Alert is a mobile application that allows users to receive emergency alerts through SMS test messages, app notifications and emails for faster responses to incidents and crimes around campus. The app includes a thumb mode feature that allows students to alert campus police when they are in danger, sending a silent signal to dispatchers.
The app’s call security feature allows users to be in immediate contact with campus police through the press of a button. The app also features an anonymous tip button that allows students to snap a picture of suspicious activity and send it to receiving officers who are able to respond within minutes.
FAMU Chief of Police Terrence Calloway feels the app will aid in crime prevention.
“We want all students to feel safe around campus,” Calloway said. “The app allows students to communicate with us more personally and it’s completely free.”
Students are able to download and update personal information on the app, allowing emergency response to better assist the situation during times of emergency.
Freshman social work student Corina Ulysse feels the anonymous tip feature will give students a voice.
“A lot of students see crimes around campus but are scared to say anything and this alleviate that fear,” Ulysse said.
Sophomore pre-med student Christoria Cowans hopes the app will provide a faster response to on campus living students who are in need of emergency assistance.
“Students who live on campus should really get involved,” Cowans said. “This is home to a lot of us and everyone wants to feel safe at home.”
FAMU PD also send emergency alerts through Blackboard Connect but only crimes involving arson, aggravated assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, murder, robbery and sex offenses.
The Thumb Alert app is available for download at any app store.