Starting today, USC students have another tool to look out for themselves and each other — and it’s as close as their own smartphone.

The USC Trojan Mobile Safety App, managed by the USC Department of Public Safety and the USC Department of Emergency Planning, is a free downloadable app that mobile users can use to initiate contact with emergency responders around the University Park and Health Science campuses. The app is powered by LiveSafe Inc. and has versions for iPhone and Android devices.

Key features of the app include:

• Immediate “push button” calls to either the Department of Public Safety or 911 for immediate response during an emergency.

• Anonymous messaging for reporting suspicious behavior, unsafe situations, or any other safety concerns.

• “Safewalk” function, that allows users to alert selected friends that they are on the way to a destination (for example, “On my way back to Parkside from Leavey Library, be there in 15 minutes”) so they can monitor their progress and help keep them safe. Note: Location services must be enabled on devices for the function to operate.

The app also offers convenient ways to access Campus Cruiser escorts and to call taxis. Over time, the app will become a central portal for all university safety programs.

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