Catholic University continues to take action to address safety and security in and around our campus. We secure our faculty, staff, students, and guests through ongoing safety measures, initiatives, collaboration, prayer, dedication, and hard work. Together we can make everyone at Catholic University safe and welcome.

Quick Links:
Articles, Statements, & Events 
Community Safety Tips  |  Emergency & Rave Info 
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    Residence Hall and Office Safety

    When it comes to safety in your residence hall or office, being proactive is key. 

    • Ensure doors are locked, whether in a shared residence or an individual office space.
    • Never prop open external doors to maintain the security of the building. 
    • Keep valuables secured, preferably in a locked drawer or cabinet, and consider engraving identification on expensive items to deter theft.
    • Familiarize yourself with the fire evacuation plan and take note of fire alarm locations.
    • Avoid letting strangers into the building without proper verification.
    • If someone requests access and you’re unsure of their identity or purpose, it’s perfectly reasonable to direct them to contact Public Safety.
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    Safety and Security at Catholic University

    Keeping our campus community safe is a top priority of the University. Through efforts led by our Department of Public Safety (DPS) — including new security initiatives and educational materials — everyone at CatholicU can feel safe and welcome.

    Community Safety Tips & Emergency Info

    Personal Safety Tips and More from DPS

    Watch our “Run. Hide. Fight.” video with tips on what to do in an active threat situation on campus.

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    Safety Initiatives Dashboard

    See the University’s recent safety and security initiatives that are helping protect our campus community.

    View the Dashboard

University Articles, Statements, and Newsletters

Recent safety related university articles, statements from our president, and newsletters for our community. 

University Articles:

Communications from Our President:

Keep Catholic Safe Newsletters:

Past Articles, Statements, and Newsletters

View past safety-related communications and events shared with our community.

Safety Tips: Important Reminders When On or Off Campus

Follow these tips to help keep yourself and others safe. 

  • Stay alert, confident, and aware of your surroundings. Walk purposefully and make eye contact with people around you. Trust your instincts.
  • Put the phone down when walking around and keep your eyes up.
  • Be wary of strangers asking for money
  • Avoid alleys, shortcuts, and vacant lots. Stick to well-lighted, busy streets.
  • Walk with a companion or group whenever possible.
  • If you are being followed, abruptly change directions, stay in a well-lighted area, and seek safety in a public building
  • Think about jogging or running if you believe that you are being followed
  • If on campus, locate the nearest emergency telephone. Off-campus, dial "911"
  • After dark, or when there's a concern for your personal safety on campus, call the Campus Police for an escort at 202-319-5111
  • Use the campus Shuttle/Loop Bus Service
  • Know the location of emergency telephones (use our campus map to find emergency phone locations)
  • Avoid displaying cash in public. Use ATMs during daylight hours only.

Read Our Safety Tips Article to Learn More

Learn More Safety Tips from DPS

*Safety Video*

Watch our “Run. Hide. Fight.” video with tips on what to do in an active threat situation on campus.

Emergency Contacts

On Campus:
202-319-5111 (Department of Public Safety)

Off Campus:
Dial 911

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rave-600.jpgRave App Download
Turn your cell phone into a personalized safety device by downloading the FREE Rave Guardian application, available for Android and Apple devices. Rave Guardian features include an Emergency GPS Locator, Safety Timer, and easy one-touch dialing of safety officials, among other features.

Department of Public Safety

Learn more from Catholic University’s Department of Public Safety.