Safety

A safe and secure learning environment is vital to your success. We are committed to providing and promoting campus-wide safety to the GW community. In order to maintain safety and security, please familiarize yourself with the following safety and security resources and reporting structures.

The GW Division of Safety and Security offers many services to the GW community including crime prevention and community outreach, threat assessment, victim services and operation ID. Visit the GW Division of Safety and Security to learn about the services they offer.

Important Emergency Contact Information

GW Police Department contact information:

Emergencies: 202-994-6111 (Foggy Bottom Campus)
202-242-6111 (Mount Vernon Campus)
911 (All other campuses)
Non-emergencies: 202-994-6110
Email: gwpd@gwu.edu
University Information Line: 202-994-5050

In the case of emergencies related to workplace or laboratory safety, contact Health & Emergency Management Safety:

Health and Safety
202-994-4347
Email: safety@gwu.edu
Emergency Management
(202) 994-4936
Email: oem@gwu.edu

Did you know emergency alerts can be sent to your email address or mobile devices?

You can sign up for alerts for GW as well as local areas including DC, Maryland, or Virginia. To sign up and learn more about these notification systems visit:

Other Emergency Resources

The GW Guardian App – The GW Guardian App offers an additional layer of security to the University's emergency mass notification services.

Campus Advisories provides updates and changes in university status, safety issues, adverse weather conditions, and other disruptions affecting normal university operations.

GW Crime Tips Hotline allows you to leave a confidential voicemail message that only the Chief of the GW Police Department receives. To learn more about this about this service, visit the Tips Hotline website or call 202-994-8477 (TIPS).

Victim Services

If you are a survivor of any form of crime, reaching out for help can be an important step in your recovery and healing process. The GW Division of Safety and Security encourages you to contact them for personalized options, referrals, and advocacy. They also offer some valuable resources that you can access.

Sexual Harassment & Assault (Title IX)

Haven, a program offered through the GW Title IX Office, provides several resources related to sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating or domestic violence or stalking.

Immediate Danger: Call 911 or the GW Emergency Services at 202-994-6111.

Non-immediate Danger: Call the GW Sexual Assault & Intimate Violence Helpline (SAIV) at 202-994-7222. SAIV is a confidential crisis helpline for GW students impacted by sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking.

To report an incident (even if not directly involved): Visit the Title IX Office site.

Other Safety Tips

  • Always be aware of your surroundings.
  • Avoid distractions when walking by yourself such as talking and texting on your phone. Remain alert!
  • Let a friend or family member know your plans and/or location ahead of time.
  • Avoid studying or working alone in a campus building.
  • Always lock your residential and car doors and windows.
  • Walk, run, bike and drive in well-lit areas.
  • Avoid talking and riding with strangers.
  • Safeguard your valuables to avoid theft.
  • Carry some form of identification with you at all times.
  • Report suspicious behavior to authorities.