UCPD dispatcher recognized for use of Bearcat Guardian app

A University of Cincinnati Public Safety emergency communications dispatcher was recently chosen by Rave Mobile Safety for a SmartSave Award after she used the Bearcat Guardian app to keep a student safe.

The Bearcat Guardian App, which replaced the LiveSafe App in April 2017, helps students, faculty and staff stay connected and safe through features such as a safety timer, emergency call buttons and a tip submission option.

Rave Mobile Safety, the company that created the Rave Guardian app, uses the SmartSave Award to recognize call takers and responders for using Rave products to positively impact a situation. Dispatcher Deese’s co-workers nominated her for the award.

"It is nice to receive acknowledgment for the dedicated work that all of us dispatchers do day in and day out. However, we are rewarded on a daily basis just by knowing we are ready, willing and able to help those who call out to us in need,” Dispatcher Deese said.

Concerned about the safety of a friend, one UC student reached out to university police by submitting a message through the anonymous tip feature of the Bearcat Guardian app. The student did not want to talk on the phone with safety officers but needed help for his friend who was threatening suicide. Dispatcher Deese was the first to receive the anonymous tip and immediately responded through the app’s two-way messaging feature.

She was able to talk with the student and gather information necessary for responding officers to locate his friend. Thankfully the student was recovered unharmed and was transported to Psychological Emergency Services to receive the resources and support needed for a healthy recovery.

“Erica did an excellent job assisting this student, and we are proud to recognize her for her hard work,” said Police Chief Maris Herold.

To learn more about the Bearcat Guardian app, go to www.uc.edu/publicsafety/services/guardian-app.html.