A Message from Public Safety About A Tragic Loss in Our Community

December 03, 2021

We join the entire Columbia community in mourning the tragic loss of Davide Giri. As we mourn as a community, it is also natural to think about safety. I write to emphasize the resources available to you and describe safety measures that are in place.

Enhanced Security
Starting today, in response to last night’s attack, the New York Police Department will temporarily provide an increased police presence after 7 pm in Morningside Park as well as temporarily assign patrol vehicles inside the park 24 hours a day. In addition, the number of enforcement officers currently assigned by the  Parks Department to the park every day from 10am to 10pm will be supplemented.

The Columbia University Department of Public Safety has added extra safety patrols. Additional foot patrols are operating on sections of Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue, and additional vehicle patrols are dedicated to Morningside Drive and the perimeter of Morningside Park.

In an Emergency
As is always the case, if you are in immediate danger on or near campus, call Public Safety (Morningside: 212-854-5555; Manhattanville: 212-853-3333; CUIMC: 212-305-7979.) Off campus, call New York City emergency services at 911.

Getting Around Safely
Columbia Transportation and Public Safety have partnered with VIA Rideshare to provide free and safe alternatives to walking alone at night. Learn more about how this service works, the coverage area, the service hours currently beginning at 4 p.m. each day adjusted for seasonal daylight, and how to download the app and get a unique promo code (UNI login required) to get started.

Additionally, the Intercampus Shuttle runs Monday to Friday (excluding University holidays) from 6:30 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. and additional service on Saturdays, providing service to an expanded geography. For routes, maps and information on additional shuttles, visit Columbia’s Transportation website.

Columbia’s App for Public Safety - LionSafe
Please download the LionSafe app that makes all of Public Safety’s services available at the tap of your finger. The app allows users to request emergency services, and includes other useful features such as maps, shuttle schedules, and Friend Walk, which allows you to send your location to a friend in real-time so they can track you virtually as you walk to your destination.

Safety Awareness Opportunities this Month
Being mindful of what is present and happening around you is critically important and can help keep you safe. Please consider joining a situational awareness skills training to learn actionable tips to protect your personal safety in threatening situations. There are two virtual trainings this month:

Neighborhood Safe Havens
Public Safety partners with neighborhood merchants to provide Safe Havens in the Morningside, Manhattanville, and Medical Center communities. Participating businesses display a Red Lion logo in their window. If you enter these businesses, the merchant will assist you in phoning Columbia University's Department of Public Safety or the police and will allow you to wait safely for security personnel to respond.

Emergency Call Boxes
The Public Safety Departments of Columbia, Barnard, and Teachers College collectively maintain Blue Light Emergency Call Boxes at locations within and surrounding the greater campus area. The call boxes connect directly to Columbia’s or one of our affiliate’s public safety departments if you are in need of help or feel threatened in any way.

Emergency Text Messaging
Please sign up for emergency text updates to receive real-time notifications of emergency events on or near campus. 

Additional Resources
Consult the Public Safety website for additional guidance on personal safety and the crime prevention programs available.

As always, you can contact us for emergency and non-emergency issues:

Morningside Campus:
Non-emergency: 212-854-2797  Emergency: 212-854-5555

Manhattanville Campus:
Non-emergency: 212-853-3301  Emergency: 212-853-3333

Medical Center Campus:
Non-emergency: 212-305-8100  Emergency: 212-305-7979

The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff remains our top priority. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Davide Giri and the School of Engineering and Applied Science and larger Columbia community on this unspeakable loss.

James F. McShane