In an effort to help students feel safe and secure, as well as prevent campus crime, Troy University campus police have deployed Omnilert, which gives students the ability to speak or chat with an on-campus police officer directly. Troy University is a public, four-year university in Alabama with more than 13,000 students.

University police are encouraging students to download the free app. In addition to messaging authorities, students can also tap a red button within “Omnilert” if they feel threatened or need help.

The app will be used as another layer of protection, adding on to existing technology such as emergency poles scattered throughout the campus.

The app allows students to text an on-duty campus police officer directly. They can do so anonymously to provide law enforcement with tips in case a student witnesses suspicious activity.