Public Safety Resources For You

September 12, 2025

Dear Columbia Community members,

As many of you are returning to campus and settling into your routines this fall, I’d like to take a moment to remind you of some of the safety resources available to you from Public Safety. Our team is dedicated to keeping the University community safe, and we are available to support you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Meet Our Team & Get to Know Safety Resources 

New York City is one of the safest big cities in the country. However, we still need to take precautions to keep ourselves and others safe. Consult Public Safety’s extensive library of crime prevention tips and follow the latest crime information and trends in Columbia’s neighborhoods.

Our upcoming events are great opportunities to get safety tips for navigating New York City, to meet members of the Public Safety team, and to learn about Columbia-specific safety resources. Group safety discussions are also available upon request. Email [email protected] to schedule.

New Guard Booths 

New, temporary security booths are in place at several Morningside campus entry points. The new booths reduce our footprint on the sidewalk while providing a climate-controlled environment for our staff. Staff inside the booths and throughout the campus perimeter are present to assist members of our community or visitors to our campus.  

Getting Around Safely 

  • The Intercampus Shuttle runs Monday to Friday (excluding University holidays) among Columbia’s Morningside, Manhattanville, and CUIMC campuses. It also provides connections with MTA stops and the Metro-North 125th Street station. 
  • The Manhattanville Loop connects frequently visited places on the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses and operates Monday to Friday (excluding University holidays). 
  • New this Fall (replacing Passio Go!): Now you can use the TripShot app to track bus locations in real time and stay up to date with service announcements. TripShot also offers a trip planning feature and the ability to favorite your most-used routes, stops, and trips for easy access. Learn more and download the app. 
  • The Evening Shuttle provides late night rides near the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses. 
  • Safety Escorts are available across the Morningside, Manhattanville, and CUIMC campuses and surrounding areas. 

Download Lion Safe, Columbia’s Public Safety App, to: 

  • Request emergency services 
  • Access campus maps and shuttle schedules 
  • Receive crime alerts and safety notifications 
  • Use Friend Walk to share your location in real-time 

Save Public Safety’s Emergency Phone Numbers 

Please store these critical numbers in your phone so you can reach us quickly in case of emergency.  

  • Morningside: 212-854-5555 
  • Manhattanville: 212-853-3333 
  • CUIMC: 212-305-7979 
  • Lamont: 845-365-8555  

Stay Informed on Campus Access 

The Morningside campus remains open to active affiliate CUID holders, registered alumni, and approved guests only. More access points to campus were added this fall. Visit our Public Safety website for the most current information about campus access points. For CUID holders going to Barnard’s campus, Barnard has multiple access points available for entry. 

Make Sure You Receive Emergency Text Messages  

Public Safety sends text updates about emergency events on or near campus. Check to ensure you are registered to receive emergency notifications and add family members so they can stay informed.  

Contact Us Anytime (24/7/365) 

Our Public Safety team is here to support you 24/7/365. We are always striving to improve our service to the community and welcome any feedback you may have for us. We each play a significant role in keeping the Columbia University community safe. If you see something, say something, by alerting Public Safety. 

Welcome back and have a great semester. 

Sincerely, 

Gerald Lewis Jr. (he/him/his) 
Vice President, Public Safety 
Columbia University in the City of New York