Two new features now are live in the UNMC Alert mobile app: “Mobile Blue Light” and “Chat with Dispatch.” These tools are designed to give colleagues faster, more discreet ways to reach dispatch for the University of Nebraska Police and Public Safety Department when safety concerns arise on campus.
These enhancements are available only when the users are physically located on the UNMC Omaha campus, Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska-Omaha, Village Pointe Health Center or Bellevue Medical Center.
Just like the emergency blue light poles across campus, the “Mobile Blue Light” feature connects the user directly to dispatch. With one tap, it will:
- Immediately call the Dispatch Center and automatically share the user’s real-time GPS location.
- Allow dispatch to track that user’s movement so help can be sent directly to them.
This tool is especially valuable when walking alone after dark, moving between buildings or if someone feels unsafe and wants quick support.
If someone is in a situation where making a call feels unsafe or isn’t possible, “Chat with Dispatch” can provide discreet support. This feature:
- Opens a silent, two-way text chat with dispatch that automatically shares the user’s location when the chat begins.
- Allows dispatch to respond in real time and provide instructions or assistance.
The user’s privacy is important and will remain protected. Location sharing only happens when someone initiates “Mobile Blue Light” or “Chat with Dispatch” and ends the moment the session is closed. The app will request location access only the first time someone uses these tools. The University of Nebraska Police and Public Safety Department cannot see someone’s location outside of an active call or chat. GPS will show dispatch their location on a map, but not your floor level, so please include floor or suite information in the chat or call if possible.
These two new features are geofenced and will not activate off-site. If an emergency occurs off-campus or at a location not listed above, call or text 911.
Take these three steps to prepare:
- Download or update the UNMC Alert safety app in the Apple App Store or Google Play
- Open the app while at the med center to get familiar with the new features.
- Enable location services when prompted during the first use of “Mobile Blue Light” or “Chat with Dispatch.”