How to use Towson University’s numerous safety resources

September 6, 2021

As part of its continuing commitment to remaining one of the safest campuses in the nation, Towson University has taken action following Saturday morning’s isolated act of violence. TU has increased security measures, and is doing outreach to highlight existing resources for the community.
 
Baltimore County Police continue to investigate the shooting that injured one student and two adults not affiliated with TU. Updates on that investigation can be found on the county police website. Anyone with information may call county police at 410-307-2020.
 
“As they have throughout, our Office of Public Safety officers and staff have been working diligently to support the Baltimore County Police Department, which is leading the investigation into the shooting during this isolated incident,” university senior leadership shared in a message to the community Sunday. “As we shared Saturday evening, we remain resolute that the safety of our community and campus is our top priority.”
 
The Division of Student Affairs, Counseling Center and Residence Life continue to be available, providing support for our students and community. Counseling and support services are available through the TU Counseling Centerat 410-704-2512. 

TU’s Office of Public Safety has immediately increased monitoring and active engagement with attendees of any unsanctioned events on all parts of the campus and at any time throughout the day or night. The Office of Public Safety will continue to work with the Division of Student Affairs to engage with the TU community during all university-sanctioned events. 
Additionally, the Office of Public Safety has enhanced foot patrols of campus to help ensure the safety of students and community members.

A range of existing safety services are available to the campus community. The following services are free for all students, faculty and staff:

• Emergency Text Alerts - Register for emergency text alerts. It’s the surest way to receive critical university notifications on safety issues and more. While all students, faculty and staff receive real-time public safety communications via email, all members of the TU community—including parents, alumni and friends—can opt into this text alert service.
• SafeWalk & SafeRide- Call 410-704-SAFE (7233) to arrange a free police escort or ride. SafeWalk escorts are available any time of day. SafeRidesare available from 2:30 a.m. (when the Gold Shuttle ends) to 7 a.m. Community members can also board a SafeRide shuttle whenever they see it. 
• SaferMobility App - The SaferMobility app has a mobile-escort feature, a video chat capability that allows you to send the TUPD real-time video of an ongoing crime, and an instant messaging feature that silently connects you with TUPD. Search for “SaferMobility” in the App Store or on Google Play
• Emergency Phones- TU’s campus has 64 blue light emergency phones and 54 additional emergency phones on the exterior of buildings, at entrances to buildings and in campus garage elevator lobbies. Activating the emergency telephone system prompts a call directly to the TUPD.
• Property Safety - Register property with the TUPD to assist in recovery if it becomes lost, stolen or misplaced. The TUPD will also engrave valuables with a person’s name and phone number for free. Call 410-704-5622 to schedule.
• Community members are encouraged to practice the crime prevention and response techniques shared in our safety videos and tips. For more information on campus safety, visit the Public Safety website.