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Safety Is Priority #1

Catholic University is located in a vibrant, urban neighborhood in Washington, D.C. Our students, faculty, and staff enjoy the advantages of our location, and the University enacts and maintains the highest safety and security standards and protocols to ensure that the Catholic University campus remains a safe and inviting place for the entire University community.

department of public safety officer leading a safety walk on campus

Stay Informed, Stay Protected, Stay Safe

We maintain a variety of methods and protocols on campus to help keep our community protected 24/7.

Community Patrol

Commissioned Campus Police officers patrol the campus 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week. Patrol methods include: vehicle patrol, foot patrol, and bicycle patrol.

 

Building Access Security

Buildings and residence halls are equipped with access control systems that allow only authorized entry.

Security Cameras

Security cameras throughout campus record campus activity and are monitored by the University's Department of Public Safety.

Emergency Telephones

There are 114 emergency telephones and 46 panic buttons located throughout the campus. Emergency phones connect the caller directly to the Public Safety Communications Center, which operates year-round.

Safety Alerts & Guardian App

Campus Safety Alerts update the campus community in real time regarding possible safety threats on or around campus. The Rave Guardian app features an emergency GPS locator, a safety timer, and communication options for help if you are in trouble.

Shuttle Services & Safety Escorts

Shuttle bus services run on-demand for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors at Catholic University. Safety escorts are an on-campus service offered to students, faculty, and staff. The services run weekly during non-bus service hours and late and unusual hours, and they are available by request when there is concern for one's personal safety. 


Learn More: Department of Public Safety 

Our campus is protected by the Department of Public Safety (DPS), which has a staff of trained professionals, including commissioned special police officers, that focuses on crime prevention and investigation, safety education, emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. Services are coordinated closely with federal and local law enforcement agencies. Safety education and awareness programs are conducted for students throughout the academic year.

Learn More About the Department of Public Safety (DPS)

24/7 Emergency Contacts

On Campus: 202-319-5111

Off Campus: Dial 911

Report a Crime

Alerts & RAVE Guardian App

RAVE Guardian app logo

Sign up for CUAlert and download the RAVE Guardian App 

CUAlert is our alert system to keep you informed of any safety alerts and notifications during campus emergencies.

Rave Guardian is a mobile app that enhances safety on campus through real-time interactive features. 

Sign Up for CUAlert

Download the RAVE App

DPS Customer Service Center

8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Safety escorts are provided by public safety officers for all members of the campus community and may be performed by foot patrol, vehicle patrol, or by members of the bicycle patrol. To request a safety escort, use the campus emergency phone or call 202-319-5111.

The Public Safety Assistants (PSA) program is a part of the Department of Public Safety (DPS). PSAs are placed at designated areas throughout campus, such as the Raymond A. DuFour Center and the Customer Service Center, Department of Public Safety.  They are stationed at the entrances of each location to offer a sense of safety to students, faculty, and staff members.

PSAs are not security officers or special police officers and, therefore, are not expected to enforce or attempt to enforce any laws or make apprehension of suspects who violate the law. They support DPS officers by being additional eyes and ears for the department, and they act as a source of information and goodwill.

Lost and found items are held for 90 days. Unclaimed items are sold at a public auction.

Fill in a Lock/Key Requisition Form to request a new key. All forms must be authorized by your department head and turned in according to the form's instructions.

The Department of Public Safety is not responsible for parking, transportation, or ID services. Please direct all inquiries for parking and transportation services to the Office of Transportation and Parking Services

Bicycles must be parked in bicycle racks or other spaces or areas designated for their use and must be parked clear of sidewalks, ramps, building entrances, handrails, and fences. Bicycles locked to any item other than an approved bike rack will be removed by the Department of Public Safety.

Reminder: Personal Safety Tips

A reminder of some basic safety tips to help keep you and our community safe.

  • Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.

  • Give the impression that you are calm, confident, and know where you are going.

  • Trust your instincts. If it doesn't look or feel right, it might not be.

  • Lock your door, even if you are only leaving for a minute.

  • Lock your door when you are sleeping or napping.

  • Keep your Cardinal Card and room keys secured. Immediately report stolen or missing Cardinal Cards and keys to Housing Services and Campus Police.

  • Secure your valuables. Keep money, wallets, jewelry, handbags, or other valuables out of sight.

  • Never admit strangers into your room or hall. When in doubt, request a Catholic University ID.

  • Never prop open exterior doors.

  • Immediately report suspicious persons or activity to the Campus Police. Report any strangers loitering in or around residence halls.

  • Never remain alone in isolated or unoccupied areas, including classrooms, libraries, and other buildings. Notify the Campus Police of your location and expected departure time.

  • Make sure all outside entrance doors are locked.

  • Keep your area locked. Don't let anyone else in the building.

  • Call for an escort if necessary.

  • Stay alert, confident, and aware of your surroundings. Walk purposefully and make eye contact with people around you. Trust your instincts.

  • Avoid alleys, short cuts, and vacant lots. Stick to well-lighted, busy streets.

  • Walk with a companion whenever possible.

  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash. Use ATM's during daylight hours only.

  • If you are being followed, abruptly change directions, stay in a well-lighted area, and seek safety in a public building.

  • Make noise, attract attention to you and the person who is following you.

  • If on campus, locate the nearest emergency telephone. Off campus, dial "911."

  • After dark, or when there's concern for your personal safety, call the Campus Police for an escort at 202-319-5111.

  • Use the campus Shuttle/Loop Bus Service.

  • Know the location of emergency telephones.

  • Be aware of what you post on the Internet. You never know who is looking at your information. It could be stalkers, future employers, recruiters, family, etc.

Safety Updates & Initiatives

Keep track of the University’s ongoing safety and security efforts to protect our campus community.

View Our Safety Updates & Initiatives

tree on campus with orange colored leaves in the fall

Taking Care of Yourself at Catholic University