By Savannah Koplon
UAB is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment across all of campus’ 100-plus city blocks. With a police force boasting 100-plus accredited officers, a fleet of marked and unmarked patrols monitoring campus and roughly 6,400 video cameras in campus buildings, parking decks and outdoor areas, UAB has invested in keeping Blazers safe on and around campus.
Despite being an open campus in an urban setting, UAB continues to experience low rates of on-campus crime — especially when compared to institutions of similar size, location and mission. In fact, according the most recent data available, UAB compares favorably to urban and non-urban campuses — from the universities of California San Diego, Colorado, Minnesota, Kentucky and Illinois-Chicago, to Duke, Emory, Rice and Vanderbilt universities.
From mobile apps to bus escort services and more, make sure you’re up to date on all the ways to stay safer on campus.
Numbers to save
If you have an emergency, call the UAB Police and Public Safety Department at 205-934-3535 or 911 if on campus.
If you do not have an emergency and need to contact the UAB Police and Public Safety Department, call the main dispatch number at 205-934-4434.
UAB Help Phones
Familiarize yourself with the Help Phones located on your daily routes; they are a direct link to the UAB Police Department and are monitored 24 hours a day.
Help Phones can be found in building hallways, elevators, parking lots, parking decks, between buildings and in other remote areas. To operate Help Phones in metal boxes, open the door and pick up the handset. To use the smaller, yellow Help Phones, press the red button once and wait for a dispatcher to answer. Elevator Help Phones are located behind a metal panel; to use, lift the handset and wait for the dispatcher.
UAB Blazer Express Safety Escort Service
UAB employees and students can now request transportation from UAB Safety Escort using TapRide by DoubleMap, available for download on the Apple Store and Google Play. The Safety Escort provides Blazers daily late-night service 9 p.m.-5:30 a.m.
Follow these steps to request a ride using TapRide:
- Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Select “University of Alabama at Birmingham” from the list of systems.
- When prompted, select “Rider Login” from the login system options and input your BlazerID and password.
- Select “Allow” for using location services, which are required to utilize the app.
- Select “Allow” for notifications to stay updated on your driver’s arrival time.
UAB Transportation encourages the use of TapRide to request services from Safety Escort however, rides also can be requested by calling 205-934-8772.
B-Alert
UAB’s Emergency Management Team uses its emergency notification system to communicate through voice calls, SMS text messages and emails to the entire campus. You should routinely check your B-alert settings to make sure the contact information is correct. Register for B-ALERT at uab.edu/balert.
Have a family member or friend who is not affiliated with UAB who wants to get B-Alert messages? Visit uab.edu/balert or text “contractor” to 888777.
Rave Guardian
Rave Guardian is one of the easiest and best ways to ensure your personal safety as you’re traveling home, especially alone.
Once you download the Rave Guardian app, free to anyone with a UAB email address, users can request a virtual safety escort on their smartphone from a friend or family member who has also downloaded Rave Guardian — or from UAB Police. Download it from the App Store and Google Play.
Know your weather group
In the event of bad weather that may disrupt normal campus operations, it is important to know what weather group you fall under; through approved university communications like B-Alert, you will be notified in real time of any operational changes/cancellations that could affect work or class schedules
Note: Some people may be a part of two or more weather groups pending their responsibilities.
BTAM: an issues reporting system for non-emergencies
One of UAB’s best defenses is the timely observation of a student or employee. Faculty, staff or students who perceive an imminent threat to safety should call 911 or the UAB Police Department at 205-934-3535. Situations and behaviors of concern that are clearly not emergencies can be reported to UAB’s Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management team.
BTAM team members evaluate, analyze and assess the identified behaviors and, as appropriate, develop a case-management strategy and monitor the case. Managers or supervisors will implement its recommendations to help ensure positive outcomes for everyone in the community.