Top Things To Know About Campus Safety

Student safety is paramount at Wichita State, evidenced by recent and ongoing services spear-headed by the Wichita State University Police Department.

First things first, Shocker students should know these helpful resources:

Wichita State Police Department direct line: (316) 978-3450
This is an important number for students to have saved in their phones. It can be used for both emergencies and non-emergencies. Dialing 9-1-1 will immediately transfer callers to an emergency dispatch, however it is helpful knowing 9-1-1 callers will be connected with Sedgwick County Emergency Communications who then transfer to the Wichita State police. To minimize time delay, it is helpful to have the department's direct number saved.

Rave Guardian Safety App
This app is used to message or send photos to the Wichita State PD dispatcher directly, as well as a safety timer to act as a virtual safety escort.

ShockerAlert System
New students can opt-in for this. ShockerAlert is used to notify the campus community of emergencies, weather alerts, and if classes are canceled.

Campus safety is overseen by Wichita State PD – a commissioned law enforcement agency and the fourth largest in Sedgwick County. The department is active 24/7, 365 days a year and has focused on several resources to enhance student safety.

Blue Light Emergency Phones
Students should be aware of these emergency poles with a blue light on top of them across campus. Pushing the button at the station directly contacts the Wichita State PD dispatcher and the blue light on top begins flashing to alert officers to which station has been activated. There are also 360-degree cameras atop each station recording 24/7. Dispatchers can view the camera feed at the dispatch center as well as see the caller and who is around when the emergency station is activated.

Campus Lighting at Night
Every fall, Wichita State PD and Student Government Association partner to walk around campus identifying any potential safety concerns.

Safety Escorts, Car Trouble, & other Student Services
If a student needs assistance, Wichita State PD is here to help! Students can contact the department for the following:

• Safety escorts
• Jump starting a vehicle
• Help changing a tire
• A ride to a local gas station to get fuel
• Access to campus buildings after hours

“These calls for assistance happen frequently throughout the year and we are always happy to help,” Johnson said. “If it’s during a busy time on campus when the parking lots are full, help us find you by flagging us down or putting your hood up or knowing your license plate number. Most of the light poles in the parking lots have specific letters and numbers to help us locate you. If you don’t see any letters or numbers, describe the area around you such as buildings, streets, sculptures, and our dispatcher can help figure out where you are.“

If a student needs to get into a building after hours, Johnson noted to make sure to communicate with your instructor or Event Services, and be ready to provide your WSU ID and relevant info (circumstances and interior key number).

Finally, Wichita State PD has implemented several recent projects to enhance campus safety.

• Body Cameras - All officers in the department have body cameras. “These help increase public trust, document interactions to investigate/prosecute a case, and help with accountability,” Johnson said.
• Bicycle Program - Officers now have bicycles to be more visible on campus, and to get to areas more efficiently where patrol vehicles may have difficulty.
• Partnerships - The department is partnered with other organizations to host trainings for law enforcement, prosecutors, and victim advocates. “These trainings include trauma-informed interviewing and identifying/responding to stalking,” Johnson said. “While these trainings are open to other agencies, it gives our officers an opportunity to attend to more effectively investigate cases here on campus.”

Above all, Johnson noted that Wichita State PD is here to help the campus community, especially students, any way they can. “Our officers are always out and interacting with the community by walking through buildings or attending events,” he said. “If you see us out, please feel free to come talk to us! We are always here to help support students and love meeting new people!”