Curtin University, in a Western Australian first, has implemented a free mobile phone app that gives staff and students instant access to the University\u2019s security team.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The SafeZone app can be downloaded onto an Android or Apple phone and operates across each of Curtin\u2019s Western Australia campuses.<\/p>\n
Mr Graham Arndt, Curtin\u2019s Director of Asset Management, said the safety of staff and students is a priority and the SafeZone app, developed by CriticalArc Pty Ltd, was a great addition to the range of safety measures the University has in place across its campuses. Curtin is the first WA university to sign up for the app.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithin seconds of pressing the alert for general assistance, first aid or urgent help, the security team \u2013 also using a CriticalArc app on smartphones \u2013 will receive notification and be able to pinpoint the exact location of the person in distress,\u201d Mr Arndt said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is particularly important for staff and students working late or new students in unfamiliar environments who may find it difficult to describe their location. With SafeZone, help is at their fingertips should they ever need it.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurtin is constantly monitoring and looking for ways to improve safety on and around campus and Safezone will create a greater sense of wellbeing for all students and staff,\u201d Mr Arndt added.<\/p>\n
The app can also be used to alert subscribers to issues on campus such as storm damage or closed areas via SMS, and then continue to update them as events develop.<\/p>\n
Curtin\u2019s campus security provides 24-hours support, seven-days-a-week. The University also offers a security escort service and campus bus service as well as a weekday courtesy bus service which runs along two circular routes through Bentley and Waterford during semester.<\/p>\n