Welcome Back from Public Safety: Fall 2021

August 25, 2021

Dear Members of the Columbia Community:

I am pleased to welcome you back to campus as we begin a new academic year of in-person learning. As we continue as a community to navigate through the challenges brought on by the pandemic, and recent increases in crime over the last 2 years, the Department of Public Safety’s commitment to maintaining the health and safety of the Columbia community remains as strong as ever. As we plan our return to a fully occupied campus this fall, I want to assure you that the Department of Public Safety is here to support you 24/7/365.  After a year unlike any others, we begin a fall term that will provide new challenges for us all. Please take a moment to read about some important Public Safety resources available to you.

GETTING AROUND SAFELY

Last summer, Columbia Transportation and Public Safety partnered with Via to transition the Intra-Campus Evening Shuttle to an on-demand, point-to-point service Evening Shuttle.  The app-based rideshare system provides a safe, convenient and free transportation service for Columbia affiliates beginning at 6 p.m. and running until 3 a.m. Other existing resources available for traveling safely around campus include the Intercampus Shuttle, the neighborhood merchants serving as Safe Havens, and Blue Light Emergency Call Boxes.  For more information on transportation services visit the Transportation website.

SAFETY AWARENESS

As we prepare for the return to campus, the department is hosting several crime prevention programs and trainings for the community, including Security Awareness Days, Self Defense Classes, and Situational Awareness trainings to help keep you safe during your years at Columbia. Register today for an upcoming Public Safety event or training. Email us at [email protected] or call 212-854-8513 for more information.

CONNECTING WITH US – LION SAFE

A new Public Safety resource now available is Lion Safe, a user-friendly app for your iOS and Android devices that makes all of Public Safety’s services available at the tap of your finger.  The app allows users to request emergency services at the touch of a button along with other useful quick links including maps, shuttle schedules, crime alerts, emergency protocols, and non-emergency numbers for each campus. 

One of the most innovative resources in Lion Safe is Friend Walk, which allows you to send your location via smartphone to a friend in real-time so they can track you virtually as you walk to your destination.  In an emergency, they can call Public Safety and request a response to your location.  Lion safe can be downloaded for free from the App Store or through Google Play by searching “Lion Safe.”  Learn more.

EMERGENCY TEXT MESSAGING

All Columbia affiliates and community members are encouraged to register online to receive real-time notifications of emergency events on campus. Registration is simple and convenient.

FEEDBACK

We are committed to providing high-quality services and we welcome your feedback regarding our service. You can now file a formal complaint online (can be done anonymously) by using our Service Complaint Form if you are displeased with an interaction you've had with Public Safety personnel or with any other Columbia affiliate, including a student, staff, or faculty member. You can also learn how to recognize an officer for outstanding work, as well as other ways to submit feedback here.

If you are ever in need of immediate assistance on campus, please call (Morningside: 212-854-5555; Manhattanville: 212-853-3333; CUIMC: 212-305-7979). If you are off-campus, please call New York City emergency services at 911.

STAY IN THE KNOW

Stay up-to-date with what’s going on and for more information on Public Safety resources available to you by subscribing to our monthly e-newsletter, and following us on Facebook and Instagram. You can also visit our website or reach out to us at [email protected] if you have questions about these or other Public Safety resources.

Your health and safety are always our top priority. On behalf of the Department of Public Safety, I want to wish everyone an enjoyable, healthy, and safe semester!

James F. McShane
Vice President
Columbia University Department of Public Safety