Georgetown University

Campus Security

The Department of Public Safety works in partnership with members of the university community and external agencies to provide a safe and secure campus environment environment that enhances the educational, employment and residential living experiences of faculty, staff and students.

Buildings and Access

  • Building Security and Access
    During normal hours of operation visitors can enter and exit most campus facilities without going through a security checkpoint. After a building is secured for the evening, it can only be accessed by a key or university identification card (GOCard).
  • Identification Cards (GOCard) The GOCard is a single, common, and recognizable identification card for people affiliated with Georgetown University. The GOCard can be programmed for appropriate faculty, staff and students to gain access to campus buildings and is also a debit card that can be used for purchases on campus and at nearby establishments.
  • Student Guards
  • Student guards play an integral role in protecting the campus community. They supplement security guards at the entrances to residence halls and other facilities to help maintain security and enforce building access policies.
  • Vehicle Access
    Georgetown University limits vehicular access to campus for safety and security reasons. Access policies may change due to campus events, or in response to local and/or federal terrorism threat levels. Learn more about Georgetown and the Homeland Security Threat Level.

Security and Prevention

  • Emergency Phones
    Emergency phones, intercoms and call boxes are located throughout the Georgetown campus. Call boxes, easily identified by a bright blue light on top of them, are situated at strategic locations throughout campus for emergency use.
  • Closed Circuit Television Cameras
    The Department of Public Safety, like many other professional police forces including the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department, uses closed circuit television cameras to support its public safety operations and combat crime on and near campus. These cameras are strategically located in public areas on and near campus, with a focus on locations that have been identified as potential targets for crime.
  • Threat Level Response
    The United States Department of Homeland Security has developed a color coded advisory system to inform citizens about the risk of potential terrorist threats nationwide. At Georgetown, the Department of Public Safety has developed, maintains and implements emergency preparedness strategies that correspond with the national system. Learn more about Georgetown and the Homeland Security Threat Level.
  • External Partnerships
    Georgetown University leverages its location in Washington, DC by partnering with local and federal law enforcement authorities and other local entities to provide resources and assistance in the event of a critical emergency situation. These entities are regularly involved in planning and training efforts with the Department of Public Safety and other University officials and have repeatedly demonstrated their effectiveness in responding to critical incidents.

Crime Reporting Resources

  • Reporting Crimes or Suspicious Activity
    Victims or witnesses of a crime should contact the Department of Public Safety as soon as they are aware that a crime has been or is being committed. A crime may be reported in person at the DPS office in Village C, by calling the Department of Public Safety office at 202-687-4343 or by using one of the emergency call box telephones on and near campus.
  • Campus Security Authorities
    In addition to the Department of Public Safety, there are three other law enforcement agencies which operate on the Georgetown University campus: Georgetown University Law Center Department of Public Safety, Georgetown University Hospital Security, and the Conference Center Loss Prevention Office. There are also a number of campus security authorities that are responsible for reporting incidents of alleged crimes on and near campus to the Department of Public Safety.
  • Anonymous Tips Reporting
    Members of the campus community may report crimes on a voluntary, confidential basis to either the Department of Public Safety or a campus security authority. Individuals may call the anonymous tips telephone line at (202) 687-2320 or complete the online anonymous tip form.
  • Bias Related Incident Reporting
    Any member of the university community can make a report about an alleged bias related incident or hate crime by calling the Department of Public Safety at (202) 687-4343 or through the campus bias incident reporting system.