Georgetown University

Programs and Services

Georgetown University's Department of Public Safety provides a range of programs and services for members of the campus community, in coordination with other offices as needed, designed to enhance personal safety, prevent and deter crime, and respond to incidents that do occur.

  • Community Liaison Officers
    The Community Liaison Officers are assigned to individual residence halls.  These officers serve as the main point of contact for the students and Residence Life staff of their assigned buildings.
  • 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.
  • SafeRides, Individual Escorts, and Neighborhood Shuttles
    The SafeRides program provides free, safe transportation for students to and from campus and adjacent neighborhoods. Two Neighborhood Shuttles operate during the academic year to and from the main gates of campus (37th and O Streets) in continuous loops through Burleith and West Georgetown.  Individual escorts are available from DPS 24/7 for those in need of special assistance or with personal safety concerns.
  • 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.
  • R.A.D. Program
    Basic Physical Defense for Women is a 12-hour course designed by Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) Systems to develop and enhance a woman's options of self defense by providing information on risk reduction as well as instruction of a number of hands-on techniques.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • Crime Prevention Services
    The Department of Public Safety offer a variety of crime prevention services, including both safety presentations and security audits.  The department also sponsors Personal Safety Week and self-defense workshops.
  • Sexual Assault Services
    The Department of Public Safety works with Health Education Services' Sexual Assault Services Coordinator other entities to respond and report incidents of alleged sexual assault in a manner that is supportive of the complainant. The Department of Public Safety also works with Health Education Services to conduct sexual assault training for students and members of the university community throughout the year.
  • Laptop & Equipment Registration
    The Department of Public Safety offers laptop computer registration for a nominal fee. This service, while designed to help prevent thefts, will also assist in the recovery of computers if stolen.
  • Bicycle Registration
    Effective June 1, 2008 bicycle registration is no longer required in the District of Columbia.  DPS recommends the use of U-locks with steel cuffs and sells them in their office.
  • Event Security  The Department of Public Safety provides professional event security services for student, staff, and faculty events.  When planning your next departmental function or event for your organization, keep security in mind.  Contact one of our dedicated staff for more details at 202-687-4343 or get started right away by submitting a request form today. 
  • Lost and Found
    The Department of Public Safety maintains a repository of lost and found items. Members of the university community may report lost items, turn items in, or claim belongings in person at the DPS office in 116 Village C West or by contacting them via telephone at 202-687-4343 Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Fingerprinting Services
    The Department of Public Safety does not offer fingerprinting services to individuals seeking security clearances for jobs and internships. Contact the Metropolitan Police Department at 202-727-4409 for information about their services. They are located at 300 Indiana Avenue, NW.
    There are also private businesses that offer these services. Consult the local phone directory for options. A list of businesses in the "yellow pages" may be found here: local fingerprinting resources. DPS and Georgetown University do not endorse any of these businesses and cannot vouch for their services. The link is provided for your convenience.