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.

Programs

  • 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.
  • SafeRide Program
    This program provides free, safe transportation for students to and from campus and adjacent neighborhoods. A SafeRides Shuttle operates during the academic year to and from the main gates of campus (37th and O Streets) in two continuous loops through Burleith or West Georgetown.
  • 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.
  • 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).

Services

The Department of Public Safety offers a variety of services for members of the campus community to utilize in order to protect their personal safety and property.

  • 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 Registrations
    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
    District of Columbia law requires all bicycles to be registered. The Department of Public Safety (DPS) will register students' bicycles with the District of Columbia and Georgetown University for a nominal fee.
  • 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 Village C or by contacting them via telephone at 202-687-4343 Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.