Oswego (WSYR-TV) - We've all heard of, or perhaps seen, the blue light security systems on college campuses. Have an emergency? Look for the blue light to call for help.
Oswego State is the first in the SUNY system, and first university in Central New York to try out a new wireless campus security system, that works using cell phones.
Blue lights have long been the norm at Oswego State, but with four lights on campus, it doesn’t provide complete campus coverage.
The Rave Guardian system being introduced on campus allows you sign up and build a profile, complete with a picture, cell phone number, and other contact info.
Once in place, you can use it as a personal safety timer. For example, if you’re heading somewhere and want to make sure you get there on time and safely, you would set a timer on your cell phone for your arrival. When you get there, the user would let Rave know through your phone. If you don't, it alerts University Police.
If you're in an emergency, the press of a button connects you to University Police immediately, and GPS technology shows them exactly where you are. “It's not only for campus safety if you see something happen but if you slipped and fell with all the ice up here, you can notify University Police and they can get you the medical attention you need,” said Lauren Polak, an Oswego State sophomore.
Officials compare the system to Onstar, which comes with some vehicles. “Its connecting with police in a way that's instantaneous. It allows police to deploy the resources you need much more expeditiously than if you were just to make a 911 call,” said Oswego State University Police Chief Cynthia Adam.
A few hundred students and staff members are signed up so far. Chief Adam says its totally voluntary, and University Police can only see your location when you've activated rave in an emergency.
Oswego State has finalized contracts with Sprint and AT&T for access to the GPS technology, and is working now to finalize a contract with Verizon, which is the cell phone provider for the majority of students.
