Mobile Safety App FAQs

Guardian mobile safety app provides a rich safety resource environment, with tools for you to do everything from submit a non-emergency safety concern, to telling friends your ETA when you are walking, to finding a safety-related function or person, all in one place.

Your device is never tracked unless you ask for assistance. Guardian will provide your location to responders if you use the app to seek help, such as calling 911 through the app or submitting an urgent concern/tip though the app. If you submit a tip anonymously, your phone's exact location will not be discernible. If you use the Virtual Escort feature, only the trusted persons you invite can see your location; Guardian or police cannot. Guardian also uses your location to deliver geography-based alerts from safety officials. Otherwise, your location is always private.

To get the best use from Guardian, go to settings and turn your location to be on always.

This way, you will immediately receive all geo-fenced broadcast messages targeted to your specific geographic location. 

No one can see your location unless you invite them.  

Yes. Rave uses the latest in security technologies and undergoes regular security audits to keep all data in the Guardian app secure and private. 

When you text a non-emergency concern or tip, it goes directly to UVA Police. You can chat with police, even anonymously. Never use this tool to report an emergency. For an emergency or a crime in process, always call or text 911.

Yes. Use the "Go Anonymous" slide bar located at the top of the screen. The only exception is that an Assault/Harassment tip type cannot be submitted anonymously.

Yes, even if you report anonymously, you can begin a conversation with police. This allows you to provide additional information at the time and get any updates if safety official needs to ask follow-up questions.  

Concerning behavior, illegal activity, mental health concerns, suspicious objects, etc. For emergencies or crimes in progress, always call or text 911.

Texting a Concern is just one of many channels available to report troubling behavior at UVA.  Students can also report through Just Report It; or to their resident advisor, the Office of the Dean of Students or Title IX; employees can contact UVA Human Resources, UVA Police Department, and the Faculty and Employee Assistance Program.

You should always call or text 911 in an emergency. The 911 Center will know exactly what response team from which jurisdiction to send to help you. The 911 center can dispatch police, emergency medical care, and fire services.