NDSU Releases Safety App

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NDSU is introducing a new safety service that uses a smartphone application to keep students, staff and faculty safe.
 
The application will allow NDSU dispatchers to track a user any time they initiate a safety assist.

Many students we talked to say they love the idea of the new service.

The new app Pathlight will be complimenting the Campus Safety Escort Service which has been providing escorts for people at the school since 1992.
 
Students, faculty and staff at NDSU are now a little safer thanks to the new app called Pathlight.

It can track users’ movements through GPS.

They can choose a destination and how long it will take them.

If they don’t reach their destination, officers will respond.
 
“What we’re doing is providing this new resource, so that all of our students, staff and faculty can go out and download, and use this application to maintain their safety,” said NDSU Police and Safety Director Michael Borr.
 
NDSU Sophomore Cassie Wobbema has noticed students have been on edge since a couple of crimes have taken place around the area involving students.
 
“I know ever since the whole missing person, killing thing happened that a lot of people have been shaken up about it and walking at night. So a lot of people like walk in pairs or something,” said Wobbema.
 
She’s referring to the death of student Thomas Bearson last September, whose homicide is still under investigation.
 
“There’s been times where like it gets kind of scary at night walking alone from place to place. So I think it would help with like the security and safety of people on campus,” said Wobbema.
 
With finals coming up, many students say the new application will help them feel safer walking to and from the library, especially at night.
 
Jena Sattler says she could see herself using the application.
 
“Probably going back and forth from the library would be the best use of it, especially at night. I know it’s open late,” said Sattler.
 
Users can also call police with one touch or send a silent alarm to an NDSU dispatcher.

It’s an app and service that will help keep people safe at all hours.
 
The call center is staffed around the clock every day of the year.

NDSU cannot track a phone unless a user enables the app and tracking can be disabled at any time.