Editor’s note: This article is part of an investigative news series called “What’s Up With?”If your topic might be covered, please fill out the form here.
dekalb – NIU is in the process of closing and removing all emergency call boxes on campus, relying on the NIU Safe app for emergencies.
There are more than 80 emergency call boxes located around NIU’s campus. Pressing the button on the emergency box will contact the police directly and they will rush to the scene immediately.
Currently, some safe deposit boxes are not working or hidden.
NIU Campus Police Chief Darren Mitchell said the university is developing a plan to remove the boxes and focus on more advanced technology.
“They (NIU) have invested in upgraded technology like the NIU Safe app, because that’s an app that a lot of universities around the country have and that we’ve been using for several years.” said Mitchell.
The NIU Safe app has emergency response features.
“This app serves as an emergency call box that is currently on campus, but in the palm of your hand,” Mitchell said.
Undecided freshman Natalie Mealing said it’s good to have the NIU Safe app, but there are several flaws that prevent the emergency call box from being completely removed.
“Cellphones can fail or become inaccessible,” Mealing said. “If your phone is unreliable, a call box is a consistent option.”
Mitchell said all technology has its limits and police strongly encourage students to make sure their phones are charged.
“We’ve found this technology to be very useful and beneficial, and the feedback we’ve gotten from some users has been very positive,” Mitchell said.
The NIU Safe app has a feature called “Friend Walk,” which allows students to select a friend on the app and monitor their location in real-time for safety. The app also serves as a means for the NIU Police Department to directly monitor your location if you enable the “Virtual Walkhome” or “Mobile Blue Light” features. The app displays weather alerts and a map of the campus.
“If you have criminal information that you would like to anonymously provide to police, you can also provide the information,” Mitchell said.
Emergency call boxes have been closing down for several years. Officially closed boxes are clearly marked as non-functional and will be removed in 2024, Mitchell said.
The NIU Safe app can be downloaded from: Apple App Store and Google Play Store. For more information about NIU’s safety procedures, NIU website.