Safety and security resources for the WFU community

A message from Wake Forest University’s Chief of Police Regina Lawson

As Wake Forest begins the academic year, it is a good time to remind our community about University resources related to safety and security:

Wake Alert

Wake Alert is the University’s mass notification system for communicating about situations affecting safety and security. In the event of an emergency or when a safety response is needed, an alert may be sent by any of the following methods: text, email, phone message (mobile), Twitter (@WakeAlert), Facebook (Wake Alert), and WakeSafe app notifications.

Alerts may also be posted as an emergency banner at the top of University website pages or shared on all computers connected to WFU internet and on University television screens campuswide. The University may also activate outdoor and indoor audio alert systems.

To ensure you receive emergency alerts:

• Confirm that your cell phone number is correct in the “Cell (Mobile)” field of WIN. Instructions can be found here.
• Follow Twitter (@WakeAlert) and Facebook (Wake Alert).

WFU emergency communication systems are tested in the fall and spring of each year. 

Wake Safe

• The WakeSafe mobile app is free and makes it easy to engage with the Wake Forest University Police Department. With WakeSafe, you can use your cell phone as a personal security device that allows direct access to police, 911 emergency services, emergency location sharing, social escape, and a peer-to-peer Friend Walk tool. Wake Alert emergency and safety messages are also shared on WakeSafe. Be sure to activate notifications.

Emergency call boxes

• The University has added and upgraded Blue Light Emergency call boxes (DEACStations) throughout campus. The DEACStations have 360-degree camera views. When the emergency button is pressed, University police are immediately alerted. A map with locations for Blue Light call boxes can be found here.

Campus addressing

• Addresses have been added to nearly every area of campus, including parking lots, athletic fields, storage areas, and Hearn and Manchester Plazas. The address can be used with GPS navigation apps and will help emergency responders pinpoint precisely where to go on campus in the event of a 911 call. Reynolda Campus maps have been updated to include the new addresses.

University Police

• The University Police Department can be reached at 336-758-5911. If using a campus phone, call 911. In non-emergencies, University Police can be reached at 336-758-5591 or when using a campus phone at 311.
• Anonymous tips can be made to University Police through the WakeSafe app or the Silent Witness form on the University Police website.
• The University Police Department, located at 5911 Forest Bridge Way (Alumni Hall ), is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If the building’s exterior door leading to the department’s offices is locked, a phone at the entrance can be used to gain entry.
• Get to know the Resource Officers assigned to your residence hall or building.
• Take Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) Class, a one-credit academic class taught by certified instructors.

University Shuttles

• Wake Forest Transportation and Parking Services offers a network of free shuttles to the University community, covering locations such as off-campus apartments, Wake Downtown and shopping areas. From 7 p.m. until midnight, the OnCall demand shuttle is available daily during the academic year. More information is available on the Ride the Wake website.
• The Passio Go app can be used to catch a ride, track University shuttles through GPS technology, and keep you updated on service interruptions or route changes. It is available on the Apple Store and Google Play.

Other Support Services

In addition to the University Police Department and the department’s Victim Support Program, support services include the:

• University Counseling Center, which provides confidential mental health counseling;
• Safe Office, which provides confidential support to students who have experienced sexual or relationship violence and/or stalking;
• Student Health Service, which provides confidential health care to students;
• Office of the Chaplain, which provides confidential pastoral care to victims of crime;
• University’s Title IX Office, which investigates cases of sexual misconduct and offers other support to students, faculty and staff (see “how to get support” on and off campus);
• Employee Assistance Program, which provides confidential work-life wellness services for University employees;
• The Bias Incident Report System is a university reporting and support system that activates when an individual reports harm related to their identity(ies);
• The Police Advisory Board serves as a connection between the community and the WFU Police.

Wake Forest is committed to a comprehensive approach to providing a safe and inclusive community where students, faculty, staff and visitors may experience a sense of security and belonging. The University Police are here to help, and we welcome you to visit our office at 5911 Forest Bridge Way (Alumni Hall). You may also email questions or concerns to dispatch@wfu.edu.